plate no. 6452

Playground (Children Playing)

Jeffrey Smart, 1951

oilPrecisionismgenre paintingplaygroundchildrenbuildingsurbanshadowsfigures

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice blocking in shapes with flat color and understanding how light and shadow define form. It also provides an opportunity to study perspective and composition in an urban environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and playground equipment.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the shapes and edges of the buildings and equipment.
step 04
Add the figures, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 05
Develop the shadows and highlights to create depth and form.
step 06
Add details such as windows, doors, and textures to the buildings.
step 07
Refine the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian · payne's gray

Mix the wall colors by blending yellow ochre and burnt sienna with varying amounts of white. Use payne's gray and white for the sky. Create the red playground equipment by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt sienna.

techniques