plate no. 5507

Staten Island

Arshile Gorky, 1927

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingstreesskyrooftopshouses

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color temperature and how to use visible brushstrokes to create form and texture. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

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 and trees, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue, allowing some variation in tone.
step 03
Apply the dominant colors of the buildings (yellows, oranges, grays) in broad strokes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add the greens of the trees, using different shades and values to create depth and texture.
step 05
Define the rooftops with reds and browns, adding subtle variations in color.
step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, such as windows and doors, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · sap green

secondary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium orange

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, adjusting the ratio to achieve different shades. Create grays by mixing complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange) with white.

techniques