plate no. 5686
Parkland
Jeffrey Smart, 1950
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and modeling form with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in rendering geometric shapes and creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main elements: the tree, roller, chair, and distant figures.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the path.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, distant trees, ground, and green areas.
- step 04
Begin to refine the shapes of the tree, roller, and chair, paying attention to their forms and shadows.
- step 05
Add details to the distant figures and the foliage on the right side.
- step 06
Layer colors to create depth and dimension in the trees and ground.
- step 07
Refine the details of the roller and flower pot, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of brown and tan by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the browns and create shadows. Mix greens by combining sap green with small amounts of yellow or blue.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·modeling form
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective of the path wrong.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Overworking the details.
- →Not creating enough depth in the distant trees.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. If using acrylics, consider using a retarder medium to extend the drying time and allow for more blending.
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