plate no. 6228
End of the Autostrada
Jeffrey Smart, 1968
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create realistic skies and landscapes. It also provides practice in rendering figures and architectural elements within a scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the horizon line and the placement of the figure and sign.
- step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the dark and light areas of the clouds.
- step 03
Establish the road and the distant truck, focusing on the perspective.
- step 04
Paint the large sign with its geometric shapes and numbers, using flat colors.
- step 05
Add the figure, paying attention to the folds of the dress and the subtle shadows.
- step 06
Paint the foreground grass, using a variety of yellows, browns, and greens.
- step 07
Add details to the sky, sign, and figure to refine the painting.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red light · burnt sienna · sap green
Mix various shades of blue and gray for the sky. Use raw umber and yellow ochre for the sign. Mix greens with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·rendering
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective of the road and sign.
- →Overly bright or saturated colors in the sky.
- →Lack of subtle value changes in the figure and grass.
- →Ignoring atmospheric perspective, making distant objects too sharp.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a medium to slow drying time, especially with acrylics.
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