plate no. 6956

Rock Street

oilSurrealismcityscapecityscapebuildingsrockslavaskypath

some experience helpful

This painting will help students develop skills in creating depth through atmospheric perspective and rendering complex textures like stone and lava. Students will also practice building forms with light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the city, rocks, and distant landforms, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, rocks, and lava with diluted washes.
step 03
Begin adding details to the buildings, defining windows, roofs, and architectural features.
step 04
Develop the texture of the rocks using layers of browns, oranges, and grays, creating highlights and shadows.
step 05
Render the lava flow with vibrant oranges and reds, suggesting movement and heat.
step 06
Add details to the path, including stones and variations in tone to indicate depth.
step 07
Refine the sky with subtle color gradations and cloud formations.
step 08
Add final details such as street lamps and power lines to enhance the surreal atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium orange

secondary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and ultramarine blue. Achieve the lava's glow by blending cadmium orange with touches of cadmium yellow and white. Create atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors for distant elements.

techniques