plate no. 2828
The Summer Field
Charles Blackman, 1965
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for learning about simplified forms and limited color palettes. Students can practice blocking in shapes and creating subtle variations in tone within a limited range of colors.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the three figures on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background color with a thin wash of yellow ochre.
- step 03
Start with the figure on the left, blocking in the dark dress with a mix of brown and black.
- step 04
Add the red highlights to the dress and the pinkish tone to the legs.
- step 05
Move to the middle figure, blocking in the green head and the blue and white dress.
- step 06
Paint the striped skirt of the rightmost figure, using a variety of colors.
- step 07
Add the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the shapes and edges of the figures, paying attention to the negative space.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · brown · green · blue
secondary · red · white · black · pink
Mix different shades of green by combining yellow ochre and blue. Create the skin tones by mixing white with a touch of red and brown.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·simplified forms
- ·limited palette
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified aesthetic.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
- →Ignoring the negative space around the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Yellow ochre paint
- ·Brown paint
- ·Green paint
- ·Blue paint
- ·Assorted brushes
- ·Palette
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are easier to clean up, but oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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