plate no. 6613

Arts of the City

Thomas Hart Benton, 1932

tempera, oilRegionalismgenre paintingfigurescityscapeindustryarchitecturemachineperformance

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 mixing skin tones and rendering various textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the large areas first.
step 03
Establish the value structure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Refine the details of the figures, including facial features and clothing.
step 05
Add details to the industrial elements and architectural structures.
step 06
Develop the background elements, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the color palette, adjusting hues and values as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ochre · red · black · white

secondary · blue · green · brown

Mix skin tones by combining ochre, red, and white, adjusting the ratios for different complexions. Create atmospheric perspective by adding blue to distant colors.

techniques