plate no. 4167
North Sydney
Jeffrey Smart, 1978
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in rendering realistic forms with smooth gradations and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can learn to simplify complex shapes and focus on accurate color matching.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and grey tones, blending smoothly.
- step 03
Establish the base green color for the grass and the basic form of the hill.
- step 04
Paint the building with a base color of red-brown, then add shadows and highlights to create depth.
- step 05
Add details to the building, such as windows and architectural features.
- step 06
Paint the figure, paying attention to proportions and skin tones.
- step 07
Add details like the traffic lights and streetlights.
- step 08
Refine the details and add final touches to the painting.
color palette
primary · light blue · green · red-brown · white
secondary · yellow · grey · dark blue · orange
Mix various shades of green by combining yellow, blue, and a touch of brown. Achieve the building's color by mixing red, brown, and a touch of orange. Create the sky by mixing blue and white, adding grey for clouds.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering form
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure or building
- →Overly harsh color transitions
- →Inaccurate perspective
- →Uneven blending in the sky
- →Getting the green of the grass too bright
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a medium to slow drying time for better blending with acrylics.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
