plate no. 6115

The gully

Grace Cossington Smith, 1928

oilCubismlandscapetreesforestfoliagelandscapegully

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex scenes into simplified geometric shapes and use color to define form and depth. It will also improve their understanding of layering and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and foliage.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values.
step 03
Begin adding layers of color to build up the form of the trees and foliage, using short, distinct brushstrokes.
step 04
Pay attention to the direction of the brushstrokes to create a sense of texture and movement.
step 05
Mix lighter values to create highlights and add depth to the foliage.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the trees and foliage, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Add details such as branches and leaves, using a dry brush technique for texture.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the color, value, and composition.

color palette

primary · dark green · grey · brown

secondary · light green · ochre · purple

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with a touch of brown or black. Create grays by mixing black and white, and adjust the temperature by adding a touch of blue or brown. Use ochre and brown to create earth tones.

techniques