plate no. 9394

Workers Houses, Flushing Bay

Philip Evergood, 1945

oilSocial Realismlandscapehouseslandscapeskytreeswaterboats

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes. Students will also learn to mix muted colors and suggest detail with loose brushwork.

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: horizon line, clusters of houses, and large cloud masses.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the basic land masses with muted greens and browns, using a thin wash.
step 04
Add the larger houses, focusing on their basic shapes and roof angles.
step 05
Introduce darker values for shadows and details like tree trunks and window openings.
step 06
Paint the water and boats in the distance, using lighter, cooler tones to create depth.
step 07
Add details like fences, paths, and smaller buildings, using a dry brush technique for texture.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding highlights where needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · cadmium red

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques