plate no. 8824
Hardy Road in November, II
John Bratby, 1963
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and interest. It also provides practice in color mixing and creating a sense of depth through layering.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
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 buildings and window frame, focusing on proportions and angles.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and window frame using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin layering thicker paint to define the shapes and add details like windows and chimneys.
- step 04
Use short, directional brushstrokes to create texture and suggest the form of the buildings.
- step 05
Mix and apply colors for the window details, varying the tones to create depth.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to match the original painting.
- step 08
Add final touches and allow the painting to dry completely.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create pinks by mixing cadmium red light with titanium white. Achieve greens by mixing yellow ochre and viridian green.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·directional brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Failing to simplify the complex forms of the buildings.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and interest.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, 6
- ·flat brushes sizes 4, 8
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or odorless thinner
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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