plate no. 4930
Early Morning
L. S. Lowry, 1954
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students learn about simplifying complex scenes and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in painting figures in motion with minimal detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, archway, and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, and ground, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the dark values of the smokestack and the darkest shadows on the buildings.
- step 04
Begin adding the figures, starting with those in the distance, using simple shapes and lines.
- step 05
Develop the details of the archway and the figures in the foreground, adding subtle variations in color and value.
- step 06
Add the details of the windows and other architectural elements, keeping them simple and stylized.
- step 07
Refine the edges and shapes of the figures and buildings, paying attention to the overall composition.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, titanium white, and ivory black. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to add warmth to the building colors.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·simplified figure drawing
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the buildings and figures.
- →Using too many colors, which can make the painting look muddy.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- →Making the figures too uniform and static.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
A toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of raw umber) can be helpful for establishing the overall value range.
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