plate no. 0418

View from Hotel Window, Prinsenstraat Amsterdam, Holland

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingstreeswatercityscapeskyboats

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating texture with visible brushstrokes, and capturing the atmosphere of a cityscape. It also encourages expressive mark-making and a loose, painterly style.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and boat, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted burnt umber or raw sienna to establish the underpainting and general value structure.
step 03
Begin layering colors for the buildings, using reds, browns, and grays to create the brick texture and architectural details.
step 04
Paint the trees with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest foliage.
step 05
Add the water and boat, using horizontal strokes and reflections to create depth.
step 06
Develop the sky with muted yellows, grays, and blues, blending colors to create a cloudy atmosphere.
step 07
Add details such as windows, figures, and birds to enhance the narrative.
step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting values, adding highlights, and deepening shadows to create contrast and visual interest.

color palette

primary · raw sienna · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Achieve the brick colors by mixing burnt umber, cadmium red light, and a touch of yellow ochre. Create the sky by blending titanium white, ultramarine blue, and a small amount of yellow ochre.

techniques