Oil Painting Step by Step

Lesson 9: Simplifying a Scene

with Tom Swimm

Street scenes are an enticing subject with their variations of color, shape, and texture, but they might appear intimidating to some artists. There are a few things to keep in mind that will help you simplify a complicated scene. First, focus on the basic colors and shapes. Too many details will make a scene overly busy and less intimate. Second, try to “suggest” elements with just a few brushstrokes; don’t worry about painting every leaf on a tree or every shingle on a roof. To see the main shapes and ignore the details, try squinting, as you observe. Finally, stay focused on what first enticed you to paint a scene; don’t get distracted! In this street scene, Tom Swimm liked the bright colors and ...