plate no. 3843

Times Square III

oil, linen, silverContemporary Realismcityscapecityscapebuildingsskywaterarchitectureurban

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect. Students will also learn to control brushstrokes to create texture and depth.

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 the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and buildings using thinned paint.
step 03
Start defining the shapes of the buildings with darker and lighter values, focusing on the overall structure.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 05
Create texture in the water and sky by varying the direction and pressure of your brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the edges of the buildings and add highlights to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Add the details of the pier in the foreground.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · Payne's Gray · Titanium White · Raw Umber

secondary · Light Blue · Silver

Mix Payne's Gray and Titanium White for various shades of gray. Add a touch of Raw Umber to warm the grays. Use Light Blue for the sky, mixing with white to lighten.

techniques