plate no. 9842

Railroad Sunset

Edward Hopper, 1929

oil, canvasNew Realismlandscapeskysunsetbuildinglandscaperailroadhorizon

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice blending colors in the sky and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn about simplifying complex shapes into basic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the building and pole.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color in the sky, starting with the lightest tones and gradually adding darker hues.
step 03
Paint the distant hills and the foreground, using darker values to create depth.
step 04
Add the details of the building, focusing on its geometric shapes and the play of light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the railroad tracks, using a thin brush to create the parallel lines.
step 06
Add the telephone pole and wires, paying attention to their placement and perspective.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, blending the transitions between tones.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix various shades of yellow, orange, and red for the sunset. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and burnt sienna and black for the building and foreground. Mix greens and browns for the hills.

techniques