plate no. 2042

The street

Martiros Sarian, 1929

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingstreet scenefiguresanimalsarchitecturemarkettrees

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in capturing figures in motion and creating a sense of depth using color and simplified forms. Students will learn to mix warm and cool tones to create a vibrant, sun-drenched atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures, buildings, and animals.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working towards the foreground.
step 03
Establish the main light source and shadows, using a limited palette of warm and cool colors.
step 04
Add details to the figures and animals, simplifying forms and focusing on essential shapes.
step 05
Refine the brushwork, using short, expressive strokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Mix and apply the colors for the figures' clothing, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 07
Add the details of the architecture, simplifying the forms and using color to create depth.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition, focusing on balance and harmony.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm tones of the buildings and ground. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create the darker tones for shadows and details. Add white to lighten colors and create variations in value.

techniques