plate no. 2256

At the Window

oilRealismportraitfigurewindowplantsinteriorportraitlight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of light and shadow to create depth and form, as well as practice rendering realistic skin tones and fabric textures. Students will also learn to create a focal point through composition and value contrast.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions.
step 02
Block in the major shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to define the value range.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the figure, focusing on the face and hands.
step 05
Develop the background and window scene, paying attention to the light and atmosphere.
step 06
Add details to the plants and window sill.
step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding highlights.
step 08
Add final details and glazes to unify the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create shadows by adding raw umber and black to the skin tone mixture. Mix greens for the landscape using sap green, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber.

techniques