plate no. 5768

Trees in Electric Light at Jajce

Tivadar Kosztka Csontvary, 1903

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingtreesbuildingsfigureslandscapenightstreet light

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict light and shadow in a nighttime scene, as well as how to simplify complex shapes into basic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the buildings, trees, and figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest areas of the trees and the sky.
step 03
Add the lighter areas of the road and the buildings, using a limited palette of colors.
step 04
Refine the shapes of the trees and buildings, adding details such as windows and branches.
step 05
Paint the figures, using simple shapes and colors.
step 06
Add the street light and the highlights on the road and the buildings.
step 07
Blend the colors together to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark greens and blacks. Use yellow ochre and titanium white for the lighter areas of the road and buildings. Add cadmium red for the figures' clothing.

techniques