plate no. 4427
Space
Tsuguharu Foujita, 1951
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing, color mixing to achieve muted tones, and capturing architectural details with simplified brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of light and shadow on complex forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color for the buildings, sky, and street using thin washes.
- step 03
Add darker values to define shadows and architectural details, like window frames and cornices.
- step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the awnings and shop fronts.
- step 05
Paint in the figures, keeping them simple and gestural.
- step 06
Refine the details of the windows and shutters.
- step 07
Add final touches of light and shadow to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
- step 08
Review and adjust values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · sap green
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., raw umber and ultramarine blue) with white. Use small amounts of red and yellow to create the awning colors.
techniques
- ·linear perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·simplified detail
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective leading to distorted buildings.
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly feel.
- →Using colors that are too bright and saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle value shifts that create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth texture to allow for easier blending. Thin the oil paints with linseed oil for smoother application.
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