plate no. 9396
Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Dorrit Black, 1939
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplification of forms and color blocking to represent a complex scene. It also provides practice in creating texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings, street, and trees.
- step 02
Divide the painting into distinct color blocks, simplifying the forms.
- step 03
Begin filling in the largest color areas, such as the sky and the street.
- step 04
Mix the primary colors to create the secondary shades needed for the buildings and trees.
- step 05
Apply paint with visible brushstrokes, following the direction of the forms.
- step 06
Add details and textures to the buildings and trees using dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the color blocks to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · blue · red · green · black
secondary · brown · purple · yellow · orange
Mix primary colors to achieve secondary colors. Use white to lighten shades and black to darken.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brush texture
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·simplification of forms
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the forms
- →Blending colors too much
- →Losing the overall composition
- →Not simplifying the color palette
materials
surface · canvas board
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas board
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium (retarder)
Use a limited palette of primary colors to encourage color mixing.
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