plate no. 6434
LOOKING DOWN THE HILL, SOPHIATOWN
Gerard Sekoto, 1940
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and understanding the use of light and shadow to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective lines of the street and buildings.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background hills.
- step 03
Establish the dark shadows in the foreground, using a dark, neutral mix.
- step 04
Paint the buildings, focusing on their simplified shapes and color variations.
- step 05
Add details to the buildings and street, such as windows, doors, and figures.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the light and shadow relationships.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the telephone poles and wires.
- step 08
Review and adjust the painting as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · raw umber
secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red
Mix blues and browns to create the sky and shadows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and brown for the buildings.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·value study
- ·simplified shapes
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →getting lost in details too early
- →not simplifying shapes enough
- →inaccurate perspective
- →shadows not dark enough
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brush (#8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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