plate no. 3187

Ballardvale

Charles Sheeler, 1946

oilPrecisionismcityscapebuildingsfactorychimneygeometricskycityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction, color blocking, and creating a sense of depth through overlapping shapes and value changes. It's also a good exercise in precise line work and clean color application.

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 and composition, paying attention to the angles and proportions of the buildings and chimney.
step 02
Divide the sky into the geometric shapes as shown in the reference image.
step 03
Begin blocking in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background.
step 04
Mix the various shades of red, green, and blue, ensuring clean and distinct color transitions.
step 05
Carefully apply the colors to the buildings, chimney, and other architectural elements, maintaining sharp edges.
step 06
Add details such as windows, doors, and roof lines, using a smaller brush for precision.
step 07
Refine the color values and adjust the shapes as needed to match the original painting.
step 08
Add the signature in the lower right corner with a small brush.

color palette

primary · red · blue · green

secondary · gray · purple · teal

Achieve the various shades of red by mixing a base red with white, brown, or a touch of blue. Create the teal by mixing blue and green with white. The purple is a mix of red and blue.

techniques

·color blocking
·hard-edge painting
·geometric abstraction
·value study
·linear perspective

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch can throw off the entire composition.
→Muddy colors from over-mixing or not cleaning the brush properly.
→Uneven color application or visible brushstrokes.
→Failing to achieve sharp, clean edges between color blocks.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (red, blue, green, white, brown)
·Assorted brushes (flat, round, small detail brush)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Ruler
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Painting medium (e.g., linseed oil or acrylic retarder)
·Easel
·Varnish

Using a smooth canvas surface will help achieve the flat, even color application characteristic of Precisionism. Acrylics are recommended for beginners due to their faster drying time and ease of cleanup.

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