plate no. 4911

Red Elisabeth Riverbank, Berlin

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1913

oil, canvasExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsbridgerivertreesfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey emotion and atmosphere.

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, river, and trees, focusing on their relative positions and sizes.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, buildings, river, and ground, using thin washes.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and forms of the buildings and bridge.
step 04
Paint the red buildings and trees, using bold brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 05
Add details to the bridge and buildings, such as windows and railings, using a smaller brush.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add the figures in the foreground with simple, dark strokes.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Create muted greens by mixing yellow ochre with blue and black. Use red straight from the tube for the buildings and trees, and mix with black for darker shades.

techniques

·blocking in
·expressive brushstrokes
·color mixing
·simplification of form
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Making the colors too saturated and bright.
→Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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