plate no. 1920

White House

Chaim Soutine, 1918

oilExpressionismlandscapehouselandscapetreespathskyfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice expressive brushwork and color mixing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. Recreating this painting will also develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the house, path, and surrounding landscape.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 03
Build up layers of paint, adding texture and detail with visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Mix colors directly on the canvas to create subtle variations and blends.
step 05
Define the edges of the house and other elements with darker values.
step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of light and form.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the off-white of the house by mixing titanium white with small amounts of yellow ochre and raw umber.

techniques