plate no. 4621

A Social History of the State of Missouri (detail) - Hay Thrower

Thomas Hart Benton, 1936

oilRegionalismgenre paintingfiguresfarmindustrysmokeanimalslandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in blending colors to achieve smooth transitions and modeling forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to map out the major elements and their placement.
step 02
Block in the large shapes and areas of color, focusing on the overall composition.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns to create a sense of depth.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the figures, animals, and buildings.
step 05
Work on the background elements, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to further define the forms.
step 07
Refine the details and add finishing touches.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian · raw sienna

Mix browns and grays by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.

techniques