plate no. 8354

Townview, Amsterdam "Het Rokin"

oil, panelExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingssnowwatervehiclesfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes and capture atmospheric perspective using a limited color palette and expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in depicting light and shadow on various surfaces, especially snow.

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 of the buildings, water, and vehicles, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by applying a thin wash of diluted burnt umber or raw sienna to the entire canvas.
step 03
Block in the main color areas of the buildings, water, and sky using a limited palette of muted colors.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using small brushstrokes and varying values.
step 05
Paint the vehicles and figures in the foreground, paying attention to their shapes and proportions.
step 06
Create the effect of snow by applying thick, textured brushstrokes of white and light gray paint.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow · ivory black

Mix white with small amounts of raw umber and burnt sienna to create the various shades of gray and beige used in the buildings and sky. Use ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create cool tones in the water and snow. Mix yellow ochre and cadmium yellow to create the yellow of the vehicles.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·broken color
·atmospheric perspective
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the original painting.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which will detract from the muted, atmospheric effect.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, which will result in a flat, uninteresting composition.
→Not simplifying the complex scene enough, leading to a cluttered and confusing painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (titanium white, raw umber, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, ivory black)
·palette
·assorted brushes (flat, round)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags

optional

·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
·easel
·viewfinder

Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., light gray or raw umber) to help establish the overall value structure.

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