plate no. 4895

Summertime

Edward Hopper, 1943

oil, canvasNew Realismgenre paintingbuildingfigurecolumnsstepswindowshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict light and shadow on architectural forms and how to create a sense of depth using color temperature and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering a figure within an architectural setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the building, figure, and steps, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the building facade, figure's dress, and the dark doorway.
step 04
Refine the details of the architectural elements, such as the columns and window frames, using precise brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the figure's form and features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 06
Add the cast shadows, carefully observing their shapes and values.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and refine the details until the painting feels balanced and complete.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix various shades of white with blue and yellow ochre to achieve the cool, muted tones of the building. Use burnt sienna and cadmium red for the figure's skin tones and the warm accents in the doorway.

techniques