plate no. 1493
Labyrinth
Jeffrey Smart, 2011
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand perspective, particularly one-point perspective, and how to create depth using color and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic structure of the maze using one-point perspective, establishing the vanishing point.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a base layer of dark blue, blending slightly to create a soft gradient.
- step 03
Establish the base color for the maze walls, a light ochre or beige.
- step 04
Begin adding shadows and highlights to the walls to define their form and create depth.
- step 05
Introduce variations in color and texture to the walls using short, visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the ground within the maze, using a muted gray or brown.
- step 07
Add the figure in the distance, paying attention to its small scale and simplified details.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · raw umber · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of ochre by adding white, burnt sienna, and small amounts of raw umber. Achieve the sky color by mixing ultramarine blue with white, and a touch of crimson for the darker areas.
techniques
- ·one-point perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective leading to a distorted maze.
- →Overly smooth blending that flattens the forms.
- →Ignoring subtle color variations in the walls.
- →Making the figure too prominent or detailed.
- →Uneven brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
A medium-textured canvas will help to create a more interesting surface for the brushstrokes. Acrylics are a good choice for beginners due to their faster drying time.
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