plate no. 8694

The Cathedrals of Broadway

Florine Stettheimer, 1929

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintingcityscapetheaterportraitarchitecturefiguresflags

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating a sense of depth through overlapping forms, and capturing intricate details within a complex composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic outlines of the architectural elements and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of the dominant pinkish-red hue across the canvas.
step 03
Begin layering in the architectural details, such as the arches, flags, and signage, using progressively darker and lighter shades.
step 04
Paint the central portrait and surrounding drapery, paying close attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
step 05
Add the figures in the foreground and background, using simplified forms and limited color palettes.
step 06
Incorporate the smaller details, such as the clock, lettering, and decorative elements, using fine brushes.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting the values and colors to create a sense of depth and visual interest.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the forms.

color palette

primary · rose madder · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · gold ochre · viridian · cadmium yellow light

Achieve the various shades of pink by mixing rose madder with titanium white in different ratios. Use ivory black sparingly to create shadows and depth.

techniques