plate no. 5458

Prague nooks

Viktor Oliva, 1918

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapearchitecturestreetfiguretowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, color mixing to create atmospheric effects, and rendering textures of old buildings. It also provides practice in capturing the overall mood and light of a cityscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to guide the perspective.
step 03
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the sky and distant buildings.
step 04
Gradually build up layers of color on the buildings, adding details and variations in tone.
step 05
Pay attention to the light and shadow patterns, using darker tones to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Add details such as windows, architectural features, and the figure in the street.
step 07
Refine the textures of the buildings and the cobblestone street with small brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

Mix yellow ochre and ultramarine blue for the greenish-gray tones of the buildings. Use burnt sienna and cadmium red light for the roof tiles and brickwork. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques