plate no. 3373
Birmingham Meeting House III
Horace Pippin, 1941
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and atmospheric scene. Students will also learn about creating texture with brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the building, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: dark green for the trees and grass, gray for the building, and blue for the sky.
- step 03
Add details to the building, such as the windows, doors, and stone texture.
- step 04
Define the shapes of the tree trunks and branches, using darker values for shadows.
- step 05
Add highlights to the trees and building to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Refine the details and add any final touches.
- step 07
Sign your name in the bottom right corner.
color palette
primary · dark green · gray · white · blue
secondary · brown · yellow
Mix different shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black and blue. Create darker greens by mixing green with black or brown.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the building and trees.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat image.
- →Making the painting too symmetrical.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (dark green, gray, white, blue, brown)
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to make it easier to create the fine details. Acrylic paints are recommended for beginners due to their fast drying time and ease of use.
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