plate no. 2389

The Heart of Old San Juan

Peter Doig, 1999

oilMagic Realismcityscapebasketball courtbuildingskytreesfencegeometric shapes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand perspective and how to create depth using color and line. It also provides practice in painting geometric shapes and creating a sense of atmosphere.

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 basketball court, building, and backboards.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the green court, the blue sky, and the dark trees.
step 03
Add the white lines of the court, using a ruler for accuracy.
step 04
Paint the details of the backboards and building, including the heart shape.
step 05
Add the fence and any other small details.
step 06
Refine the colors and values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add subtle variations in the green of the court to suggest texture and light.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · sap green · cerulean blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · black · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of green by combining sap green, white, and a touch of yellow. Create the sky by blending cerulean blue with white, adding a touch of black for the darker areas.

techniques

·linear perspective
·color blocking
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective will ruin the composition.
→Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff.
→Using too much paint can obscure the texture of the canvas.
→Not paying attention to the subtle color variations will make the painting look flat.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·ruler
·pencil

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas for a good balance of texture and smoothness. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.

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