plate no. 0833

View of Basel and the Rhine

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1928

oil, canvasExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsriverfiguresbridgesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive color to convey mood. It also provides practice in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

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, bridge, and figures, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and buildings using diluted paint.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth in the buildings and trees.
step 04
Introduce the brighter, more saturated colors to the buildings and figures, using bold brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the details of the bridge and figures, paying attention to the perspective and anatomy.
step 06
Add highlights to the water and buildings to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve the desired mood and effect.
step 08
Add final details like the horse and any small architectural elements.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium yellow · Alizarin crimson · Titanium white

secondary · Burnt umber · Viridian green · Orange · Violet

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use combinations of red, yellow, and white to achieve the pinkish-red tones of the buildings. Mix greens and browns for the trees and water.

techniques