plate no. 4665

Streets meeting on Baja

Endre Bartos, 1994

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingshousestreesskycityscapestreet

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing impasto techniques and understanding how to create depth with color and texture. Students will also learn how to simplify 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
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, tree, and street, focusing on composition.
step 02
Apply a thin underpainting of burnt umber or a similar neutral tone to establish values.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the buildings, sky, and tree using thick paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and rooflines, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 05
Create texture in the tree foliage by dabbing paint with a stiff brush or palette knife.
step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
step 07
Add final touches, such as small details in the foreground and background.
step 08
Allow to dry completely and varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · red · blue · yellow · white

secondary · green · purple · pink · turquoise

Mix various shades of red, blue, and yellow with white to create the different hues seen in the buildings and sky. Use green and purple to create shadows and add depth.

techniques

·impasto
·color blocking
·broken color
·palette knife application
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Losing the overall composition by focusing too much on small details.
→Using too much paint, which can make the painting look heavy.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough, leading to a flat and uninteresting surface.