plate no. 9355

Summer Evening

Edward Hopper, 1947

oil, canvasSocial Realismgenre paintingfiguresporchbuildingnightdoorwindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict figures in a realistic style and how to create a sense of atmosphere using light and shadow. It also provides practice in painting architectural details and achieving accurate proportions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest areas and working towards the lightest.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures and the architectural details, paying attention to the proportions and perspective.
step 04
Add the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the skin tones, clothing, and architectural elements.
step 06
Blend the colors together to create smooth transitions.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the facial features and the textures of the clothing and building.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green

Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber for the cool whites of the building. Use red and umber to create the skin tones, and mix green with umber for the dark shadows.

techniques