plate no. 2491

Kapunda Mines

Jeffrey Smart, 1946

oilPrecisionismcityscapebuildingsfigureshillsskyindustrialwater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blocking in shapes and understanding color temperature to create depth. It also provides practice in rendering figures in a stylized manner.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, hills, and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the largest land masses.
step 03
Develop the color variations within each area, using lighter and darker tones to suggest form and depth.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and doors, using a fine brush.
step 05
Refine the figures, paying attention to their proportions and poses.
step 06
Add the water and reflections, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of realism and depth.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of ochre and sienna for the hills. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky and water, adding touches of viridian for the green areas. Mix red and sienna for the buildings.

techniques