plate no. 3956
Campbell Street
Jeffrey Smart, 1963
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating realistic textures, particularly in the field of grass, and understanding how to depict light and shadow on different surfaces. It also offers practice in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the geometric shapes of the buildings, field, and street.
- step 02
Block in the main colors of the background, including the sky, buildings, and field.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the field, using short, vertical brushstrokes to create the texture of the grass.
- step 04
Paint the figure, paying attention to the proportions and the way the light falls on the dress.
- step 05
Add details to the street and sidewalk, including the curb and any cracks or imperfections.
- step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, including the windows and any architectural features.
- step 07
Add the sign in the background, paying attention to the lettering and the way it is positioned in the scene.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
secondary · titanium white · raw sienna · payne's gray
Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the field. Use cadmium red and white for the figure's dress. Mix ultramarine blue and white for the sky. Use Payne's gray for the sign.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Making the field look too uniform and lacking in texture.
- →Not paying attention to the way the light falls on the different surfaces.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of simplicity.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·Easel
- ·Reference photo print
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
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