plate no. 5956

Sunset Streets

Wayne Thiebaud, 1985

oilExpressionismlandscapecityscapebuildingsstreethillsskyroad

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes. It will also help them practice color mixing and creating shadows.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and hills.
step 03
Add the darker values for the shadows on the buildings and street.
step 04
Begin refining the shapes of the buildings and adding details like windows and signs.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the road markings and other small details.
step 06
Add highlights to the buildings and street to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · violet

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the buildings and street shadows. Use yellow ochre and white for the buildings in sunlight. Mix greens and browns for the hills.

techniques