plate no. 4782
Deep South
Thomas Hart Benton, 1931
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students understand complex composition and how to create a sense of depth using color and value. It also provides practice in rendering figures in various poses and activities.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to map out the major compositional elements and figures.
- step 02
Establish the background colors, focusing on the sky and river, using thin washes.
- step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the landmasses and industrial elements, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 04
Start adding details to the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and poses.
- step 05
Develop the textures of the land and industrial elements using varied brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and volume.
- step 07
Add the framing elements, ensuring they align with the overall composition.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and visual interest.
color palette
primary · ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · ivory black · sap green
Mix ochre with white for highlights, ultramarine and burnt umber for shadows, and cadmium red and yellow for warmer tones. Use white to lighten colors and create subtle gradations.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the initial sketch and getting lost in details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat image.
- →Inaccurate figure proportions and poses.
- →Uneven color mixing leading to muddy tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Tempera paint is listed as the original medium, but oil paint is more accessible for beginners.
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