plate no. 8030
Wallaroo
Jeffrey Smart, 1951
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create a sense of depth using atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes. It also provides practice in mixing muted color tones and creating a cohesive color scheme.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, buildings, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground.
- step 03
Establish the basic shapes of the buildings and the industrial elements in the background.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their forms.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Add texture to the ground and the buildings using dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Paint the details of the boat and the other smaller elements in the foreground.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Mix yellow ochre and raw umber with white for the sky and ground. Use burnt sienna and cadmium red light for the boat and industrial elements. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken the colors and create a sense of depth.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·geometric simplification
- ·dry brush
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the color palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective.
- →Getting lost in the details before establishing the basic forms.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·assorted brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a limited palette to create a cohesive color scheme. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the mid-tones.
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