plate no. 1137

São Paulo

oilCubismcityscapecityscapebuildingsskytreespalm treegeometric shapes

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for practicing color blocking and creating a sense of depth through simplified shapes. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic geometric forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of buildings, trees, and other elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, ensuring a smooth, even application.
step 03
Paint the buildings using flat colors, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone for shadows and highlights.
step 04
Add the green areas for the grass and trees, using a slightly darker shade for shadows.
step 05
Paint the details like the bridge, gas pumps, and numbers on the building.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a clean, crisp look.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the windows on the buildings and the lines on the bridge.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · light blue · green · white · beige

secondary · red · yellow · black · gray

Mix shades of green by combining blue and yellow with small amounts of white or black. Create beige by mixing white with small amounts of brown and yellow.

techniques