plate no. 0190

Coal

Thomas Hart Benton, 1931

canvas, temperaRegionalismgenre paintingindustryfigurescoal minebuildingslandscapesmoke

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in complex composition, figure drawing, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to mix and apply a range of earth tones and muted colors to create a realistic industrial scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to map out the complex composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and industrial elements.
step 02
Block in the large shapes and areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the background elements, such as the sky, mountains, and distant buildings, using lighter values and softer edges.
step 04
Refine the details of the industrial structures, including the buildings, smokestacks, and machinery.
step 05
Carefully render the figures, paying attention to anatomy, proportion, and the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the foreground elements, such as the coal carts and mining equipment.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to completion.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · ivory black · sap green

Achieve the muted earth tones by mixing the primary colors with white and black. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create various shades of gray. Mix cadmium red with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt umber for the figures' skin tones.

techniques