plate no. 6681

Windows

Charles Sheeler, 1952

oilPrecisionismcityscapebuildingscityscapearchitecturewindowsgeometric shapes

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing geometric abstraction and understanding how light and shadow create form. Students will learn to simplify complex shapes and create a sense of depth through color and value.

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 and outlines of the buildings, focusing on their geometric forms and proportions.
step 02
Divide the buildings into sections based on light and shadow, noting the different planes and angles.
step 03
Begin painting the largest areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the main building masses.
step 04
Mix the various shades of color needed for each building, paying close attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 05
Carefully paint the windows, using a small brush to create clean, precise lines.
step 06
Add the shadows, using darker values of the same colors to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the edges of the buildings and the highlights on the windows.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to the colors or values.

color palette

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

secondary · payne's gray · purple · black

Mix white with small amounts of blue, umber, and sienna to achieve the various light tones of the buildings. Use umber and black to create the dark shadows.

techniques