plate no. 2969

Original Cast of the ITV Serial Drama 'Coronation Street'

John Bratby, 1960

oilExpressionismgenre paintingbuildingsfiguresstreetskytowncrowd

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing likenesses with simplified forms. It also provides practice in creating depth through perspective and color variation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings and the group of figures.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and figures using thin washes.
step 03
Begin adding details to the buildings, focusing on the brickwork and window shapes.
step 04
Start defining the individual figures, paying attention to their facial features and clothing.
step 05
Build up layers of paint, using visible brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the buildings and figures.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and allow the painting to dry.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and grey by combining burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use cadmium red and yellow ochre to create the brick colors. Add small amounts of sap green to darken the blues and browns.

techniques