plate no. 6728
Spirit of the drought
Arthur Streeton, 1895
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork, color mixing for natural light, and creating a sense of atmosphere with muted tones. It also provides practice in depicting the human figure in a stylized, impressionistic manner.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash, allowing for variations in tone.
- step 03
Establish the base color of the field using a mix of yellows, ochres, and browns.
- step 04
Begin to define the figure with light washes of pinks, browns, and whites, focusing on the overall form rather than precise details.
- step 05
Add details to the trees and skeletons using darker browns and grays, employing loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 06
Introduce highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 07
Refine the color palette by adding subtle variations and adjusting the overall tone.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust the composition as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin washes for the sky and thicker applications for the foreground.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Neglecting the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
- →Failing to capture the overall atmosphere and mood of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Oil paints: Yellow Ochre, Raw Umber, Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna
- ·Round brushes (sizes 4, 6, 8)
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Palette
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., light ochre) to create a warmer base.
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