plate no. 6644

Princess Elizabeth Opening the New Broadgate, Coventry

Laura Knight, 1948

oilImpressionismhistory paintingfiguresbuildingflagsarchitectureceremonyhistorical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering fabrics and textures, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in complex composition and figure arrangement.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and the building.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, including the sky and the architectural elements.
step 03
Establish the basic values and colors for each figure, focusing on accurate proportions and poses.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the figures, including facial features, clothing folds, and accessories.
step 05
Develop the textures and details of the building, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the flags and other symbolic elements.
step 07
Refine the overall color harmony and adjust values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve the subtle variations in skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red or burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create various shades of gray and black for the robes and suits. Mix yellow ochre and white for the princess's dress.

techniques