plate no. 5933
Govett's Leap
Grace Cossington Smith, 1933
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in broken color techniques and understanding how to represent form through distinct brushstrokes rather than smooth blending. It also encourages simplification of complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, waterfall, and surrounding landscape.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and general composition.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color using simplified shapes.
- step 04
Apply distinct brushstrokes to build up texture and form, following the direction of the underlying shapes.
- step 05
Mix and apply variations of color within each area to create depth and interest.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to define the forms further.
- step 07
Refine the details, paying attention to the direction and placement of each brushstroke.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · purple · raw umber
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, and adjust with white for lighter shades. Achieve earth tones by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and ultramarine blue. Use white to create variations in value.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·directional brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, which will lose the distinct brushstroke effect.
- →Not simplifying the shapes enough, leading to a cluttered composition.
- →Ignoring the direction of the brushstrokes, which can flatten the forms.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing variations.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 4, 8, 12)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·artist grade gesso
- ·soft cloth
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Using a textured canvas can enhance the effect of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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