plate no. 0367

The Edge of the City

Horia Bernea, 1964

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapeskywindowsroofsstreet

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and depth. Students will learn to mix colors to create a harmonious, yet slightly muted, palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and sky, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and then the main building masses.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Introduce secondary colors and highlights to add interest and variation.
step 05
Refine the details of the windows, roofs, and other architectural elements.
step 06
Use short, visible brushstrokes to build up texture and create a sense of movement.
step 07
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive look.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · raw umber

Mix yellow ochre and white for the building's main color. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding touches of raw umber to darken. Burnt sienna and cadmium red light create the roof color.

techniques

·blocking in
·impasto
·broken color
·color mixing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Ignoring the relationships between colors and values.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt sienna, cadmium red light, raw umber)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted flat brushes (sizes 4, 6, 8)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags