plate no. 9744

Yellow Street II

Lyonel Feininger, 1918

oilExpressionismgenre paintingbuildingsfigurestreesskystreet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes and use a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students will also learn about layering and blending colors to achieve subtle variations within a monochromatic scheme.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, figures, and trees, focusing on geometric forms.
step 02
Lightly block in the sky with a diluted blue, creating subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Apply a base layer of yellow to the buildings and ground, varying the shade slightly to create depth.
step 04
Add darker shades of yellow and brown to define the shadows and architectural details.
step 05
Paint the figures using simplified shapes and blocks of color, such as the blue cloak and red coat.
step 06
Use thin, dark lines to define the branches of the trees and other linear elements.
step 07
Add the flag with its distinct colors and sharp edges.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the color balance to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white

Mix different shades of yellow by adding small amounts of burnt umber or white. Create the sky blue by diluting cerulean blue with white. Achieve the green by mixing blue and yellow.

techniques