plate no. 4400

The Red House

Auguste Herbin, 1925

oilCubismlandscapebuildingrivertreesskylandscapearchitecture

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding color relationships to create depth and form. Students will also learn about creating smooth, blended surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, river, and landscape, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground.
step 03
Define the shapes of the buildings with flat, even tones of red and pink.
step 04
Add the details of the windows and other architectural elements.
step 05
Paint the river and the white water, paying attention to the flow and movement.
step 06
Add the trees and other landscape details, simplifying their forms.
step 07
Refine the edges and add any final details.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · red · blue · green · white

secondary · brown · gray · pink · yellow

Mix various shades of red by adding white or brown. Create the river's color by mixing blue with white and a touch of green. The sky is a blend of gray and white.

techniques