plate no. 3810

Harbour from Kirribilli

Grace Cossington Smith, 1937

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapeharbortreeslandscapewaterbuildingsfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and in applying short, deliberate brushstrokes to build form and texture. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes and blocks of color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky and water with diluted washes of color, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Define the larger shapes of the trees and foliage with broad strokes of green and brown.
step 04
Add layers of color to the trees and foliage, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Paint the buildings in the distance with simplified shapes and muted colors.
step 06
Develop the foreground elements, such as the steps and foliage, with more detail and varied colors.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.