plate no. 6691

South Carolina Morning

Edward Hopper, 1955

oil, canvasNew Realismgenre paintingfigurebuildingdoorwayskyfieldshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of light and shadow to create depth and form, as well as how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in rendering the human figure in a realistic style.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a simple sketch outlining the basic shapes of the building, figure, and landscape.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and field.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the building and figure.
step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figure, paying attention to proportions and anatomy.
step 05
Add details to the building, such as the window frames and door.
step 06
Develop the texture of the field using broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red light · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix the sky with ultramarine blue and white, adding a touch of yellow ochre near the horizon. Use raw umber and white for the building, adjusting the values with black and white. Mix cadmium red light with small amounts of raw umber and white to achieve the dress color.

techniques