plate no. 2255

Quintais de Lisboa

Nikias Skapinakis, 1956

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingspalm treefiguresskyrooftops

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and understanding how to use color to create depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise realism.

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 composition of the buildings, palm tree, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, and ground, using simplified shapes.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the buildings and add details like windows, doors, and chimneys.
step 04
Paint the palm tree trunk and fronds, paying attention to the variations in color and texture.
step 05
Add the figures in the foreground, using simple shapes and colors.
step 06
Introduce shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and edges of the painting, adding small touches of color and texture.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · sky blue · white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · orange · red · dark blue · green

Mix shades of white with small amounts of other colors to achieve the off-white tones of the buildings. Use blues and greens to create the darker shades of the ground and shadows.

techniques