plate no. 1527

Port of Bilbao

Arturo Souto, 1933

oil, canvasExpressionismcityscapecityscapeportbuildingswaterboatsindustrial

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive color scheme. It also provides an opportunity to experiment with visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the large forms of the buildings, boats, and hills.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme and value relationships.
step 03
Begin building up layers of paint, adding more detail and refining the shapes.
step 04
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture and add interest to the surfaces.
step 05
Mix colors directly on the canvas to achieve subtle variations and create a sense of depth.
step 06
Pay attention to the edges of the shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition and color balance, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create dark grays and blacks. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna to create warm earth tones. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brush
·scumbling
·color mixing on canvas
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial brushstrokes.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic color scheme.
→Failing to simplify the complex scene into basic shapes.
→Ignoring the value relationships and creating a flat or uninteresting composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags

optional

·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
·varnish

Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette of oil paints to simplify the color mixing process.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein