plate no. 5870

To the Studios

Frank Auerbach, 1991

oil, canvasExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetarchitectureurban

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and understanding how to simplify complex scenes into abstract shapes and colors. It also emphasizes the importance of layering and creating depth through color and texture.

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 lines of the composition, focusing on the angles and relationships between the buildings.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin to build up layers of paint, using thicker brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture.
step 04
Focus on capturing the energy and movement of the scene through expressive brushwork.
step 05
Mix colors directly on the canvas to create a sense of spontaneity and vibrancy.
step 06
Add details and highlights to create depth and interest.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall composition, making adjustments as needed.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and add a final layer of varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · raw sienna

Achieve the various browns and earth tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use small amounts of blue or green to cool down the colors and create shadows.

techniques

·impasto
·dry brush
·alla prima
·scumbling
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
→Getting bogged down in details and failing to capture the overall essence of the scene.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy or overworked effect.
→Not paying attention to the value structure and creating a flat or uninteresting composition.