plate no. 8223

Calling the Weigh

Oliver Kilbourn, 1974

oilSocial Realismcityscapeminecartsbuildingsfiguresinteriortracks

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and rendering textures with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, paying attention to the perspective of the buildings and tracks.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, using diluted washes.
step 03
Start adding details to the buildings, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Paint the coal carts, paying attention to their form and the texture of the coal.
step 05
Add the figures, using simple shapes and colors.
step 06
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add the tracks and other small details.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber for the warm browns of the buildings and carts. Add ivory black to darken the browns and create shadows. Use cadmium red light for the window frames and small accents. Mix ultramarine blue with white to create the cool tones of the tracks and shadows.

techniques

·linear perspective
·dry brushing
·layering
·color mixing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective can ruin the sense of depth.
→Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff and unnatural.
→Not paying attention to the light and shadow patterns can make the painting look flat.
→Using too much color can make the painting look garish.