plate no. 1854
Princess & Burke & Wills
Arthur Streeton, 1889
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the statue, buildings, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of gray and lavender.
- step 03
Establish the basic color blocks for the buildings and statue using a muted palette.
- step 04
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
- step 05
Refine the details of the statue, focusing on the folds of the fabric.
- step 06
Add the figures and advertisements with quick, gestural brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of atmospheric perspective.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Mix grays by combining white, umber, and a touch of blue or red. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm, earthy tones for the buildings and statue.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Neglecting the atmospheric perspective, which flattens the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, and 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
A toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of raw umber) can be helpful for establishing the overall color harmony.
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