plate no. 9584

Dans un Bateau (In a Boat)

Lilla Cabot Perry, 1907

oilImpressionismportraitfigurewaterboattreesportraitreflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to capture subtle variations in light and shadow, as well as practice layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth.

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 figure, boat, and horizon line.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of color to establish the overall tones of the painting.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker values, focusing on the shadows in the water and the figure's clothing.
step 04
Gradually build up the lighter values, paying attention to the highlights on the water and the figure's face and clothing.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and capture the movement of the water.
step 06
Refine the details of the figure's face and clothing, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Add the reflections in the water, using similar colors and brushstrokes as the objects they reflect.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques