plate no. 0544

The Cathedral

Lyonel Feininger, 1920

oilCubismcityscapecityscapecathedralarchitecturegeometric shapesskybuildings

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in geometric abstraction, color temperature control, and creating depth through overlapping shapes and values. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic geometric components.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and lines that define the cathedral and surrounding buildings.
step 02
Divide the canvas into the major planes and shapes, paying attention to the angles and proportions.
step 03
Begin blocking in the darkest values, focusing on the shadows and areas of deep color.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, blending colors slightly to create subtle transitions.
step 05
Add the lightest values, highlighting the edges and planes that catch the light.
step 06
Refine the shapes and lines, adjusting the colors and values as needed to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the swirling patterns in the sky, using a combination of blues, greens, and yellows.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · Prussian blue

secondary · viridian green · raw umber · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre with burnt sienna to create warm earth tones. Combine Prussian blue with yellow ochre to achieve various shades of green. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques