plate no. 3586
Sunday
Edward Hopper, 1926
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to mix muted colors and capture the effect of light and shadow on architectural forms. It also provides practice in depicting a human figure in a realistic setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the perspective of the building.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Mix the muted color palette, starting with the dominant colors of the building and street.
- step 04
Develop the details of the building's architecture, including the windows, doors, and trim.
- step 05
Paint the figure, paying attention to the proportions and pose.
- step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the texture of the building and the figure's clothing.
- step 08
Review and adjust the painting as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light
Mix muted tones by combining complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange, red and green). Use white to lighten values and raw umber to darken and neutralize colors.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong, which can distort the building's appearance.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can detract from the painting's mood.
- →Overworking the details, which can make the painting look stiff and unnatural.
- →Ignoring the shadows and highlights, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, raw umber, ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt sienna, cadmium red light)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
A medium-sized canvas is recommended for this project. Use high-quality oil paints for best results.
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