plate no. 7850

From the Artist's Studio

Stanley Spencer, 1938

oilNeo-Romanticismcityscapecityscapeflowersbuildingswindowstill liferooftops

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in perspective, color mixing for realistic textures, and layering techniques to create depth and detail. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to define forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the buildings and the placement of the flower bowl.
step 02
Block in the main color areas of the buildings, sky, and flower bowl using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin adding details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and roof tiles, paying attention to their perspective and relative size.
step 04
Mix and apply the various shades of yellow and green for the daffodils, building up layers to create depth and texture.
step 05
Work on the flower bowl, capturing the metallic sheen and the reflections of the surrounding environment.
step 06
Add details to the window frame and the curtain, using subtle variations in tone and color to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Refine the details throughout the painting, adjusting colors, values, and edges as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw umber · titanium white

Achieve the various shades of yellow by mixing cadmium yellow with yellow ochre and white. Create the building colors by mixing burnt sienna with raw umber and small amounts of blue for shadows.

techniques