plate no. 3556
The Founding of Australia by Capt. Arthur Phillip R.N. Sydney Cove, Jan. 26th 1788
Algernon Talmage, 1937
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a landscape and understanding atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of trees and foliage with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, trees, figures, and flag placement.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, land, and major tree masses.
- step 03
Establish the basic values (light and dark) within each area, focusing on the overall light direction.
- step 04
Begin refining the shapes of the trees, adding details to the foliage with varied brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details like clothing and facial features.
- step 06
Add the flag, paying attention to its folds and the way light interacts with it.
- step 07
Refine the details in the foreground, including the tree stumps and ground texture.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · sap green
Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the sky color by mixing titanium white with a small amount of ultramarine blue and a touch of red for warmth.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Making the colors too saturated and unrealistic.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective on distant objects.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, sap green)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat, various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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