plate no. 2584
Industrial Panorama
L. S. Lowry, 1953
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using a limited color palette to create atmospheric perspective. Students will also practice painting stylized figures and architectural forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills, buildings, and chimneys, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray wash, creating a sense of atmosphere.
- step 03
Establish the main value structure of the hills using darker grays and browns, leaving areas for snow.
- step 04
Paint the buildings and chimneys using simplified shapes and a limited color palette.
- step 05
Add the smoke using soft, blended strokes of gray and pink.
- step 06
Paint the figures and details in the foreground, using simple lines and shapes.
- step 07
Add highlights to the snow and buildings to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of gray by combining white and black. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to create warm browns for the buildings. Add a touch of red to the gray for the smoke plumes.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·simplification of form
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the buildings and figures.
- →Using too many colors, which can muddy the overall effect.
- →Failing to create a sense of atmospheric perspective.
- →Making the brushstrokes too smooth and blended.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brush (#8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or odorless thinner (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
A slightly textured canvas will enhance the dry brush effect. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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