plate no. 0246

The Red Tower in Halle

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1915

oil, canvasExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingstowerstreetskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and atmosphere. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve specific tonal values and create a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, buildings, and street, using diluted paint.
step 03
Define the shapes of the buildings with darker values, paying attention to the architectural details.
step 04
Add the orange/red road, focusing on its perspective and how it curves around the buildings.
step 05
Refine the details of the tower, including the windows and architectural elements.
step 06
Develop the sky with soft, blended strokes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, paying attention to color harmony and balance.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium White · Cadmium Orange · Burnt Umber

secondary · Cadmium Yellow · Alizarin Crimson

Mix various shades of gray by combining Prussian blue, Burnt Umber and Titanium White. Achieve the orange tones by mixing Cadmium Orange with touches of Cadmium Yellow and Alizarin Crimson.

techniques