plate no. 1099

Railway Underpass in Dresden

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1926

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebridgebuildingsfiguresstreetsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create mood and depth. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes.

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 of the buildings, bridge, and street, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, street, and bridge, using thin washes.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create depth, especially under the bridge and on the buildings.
step 04
Introduce the brighter colors for the details like the red trees and the orange lights under the bridge.
step 05
Define the figures with simple shapes and colors, paying attention to their placement and scale.
step 06
Add the details of the bridge structure, using a smaller brush and a consistent color.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details to enhance the overall composition.
step 08
Add the signature in the bottom right corner.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium yellow · Burnt sienna · Titanium white

secondary · Cadmium red · Emerald green · Payne's grey

Mix Prussian blue and white for the sky. Use cadmium yellow and burnt sienna for the warm light under the bridge. Mix green and blue for the building colors.

techniques