plate no. 9879

A Woman's Work

John French Sloan, 1912

oil, canvasNew Realismgenre paintingbuildingslaundryfigurebalconybricksky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow on various surfaces, as well as capturing the folds and textures of fabric. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and perspective in an urban setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, figure, and laundry line.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color, starting with the background buildings and sky.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the buildings and laundry.
step 04
Begin adding details to the brickwork and architectural elements.
step 05
Refine the figure, paying attention to the folds of the dress and the pose.
step 06
Develop the laundry, focusing on the varying textures and values of the white fabric.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Mix various shades of white by adding small amounts of yellow ochre, burnt umber, and ultramarine blue. Create the brick color by mixing burnt umber with cadmium red and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques