plate no. 2272

Suburban

Hans Hofmann, 1936

oilFauvismlandscapehousetreesskylandscapefiguresarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create a sense of light and atmosphere. It also encourages simplification of forms and shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the house, trees, and horizon line using light pencil strokes.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: yellow for the foreground and sky, blue for the sky, and red for the vertical element.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shapes of the trees and house, using visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Mix secondary colors (greens, purples, oranges) and apply them to create depth and interest in the landscape.
step 05
Refine the details of the house and figures, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights with lighter yellows and whites to enhance the sense of light.
step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.

color palette

primary · yellow · blue · red · white

secondary · green · purple · orange

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Create purples by mixing blue and red. Achieve oranges by blending red and yellow. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques