plate no. 1825

Pine House (Rooms for Rent)

Peter Doig, 1994

oilMagic Realismcityscapehousetreesroadskypower linesfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in depicting complex subjects with simplified forms and visible brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in seemingly monochromatic subjects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the house, trees, and road, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, house, road, and foliage with thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors to build up the texture and depth of the trees and foliage, using visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Add details to the house, such as windows, doors, and architectural features, using a smaller brush.
step 05
Create the road surface with horizontal strokes, blending colors to suggest reflections and wetness.
step 06
Introduce the power lines and poles, paying attention to their angles and placement.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · gray · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix grays by combining white with small amounts of umber and blue. Achieve the road color by mixing gray with a touch of blue and yellow. Create the foliage colors by mixing green with umber and yellow ochre.

techniques