plate no. 8049

East and West

George Henry, 1904

oilImpressionismportraitportraitwomanhatinteriortablefigurine

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture, including skin tones and fabric rendering, while also exploring the use of a limited palette to create a harmonious composition. Students can learn to create depth and form using subtle value changes and soft blending techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, focusing on the overall value and color temperature.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure, including the skin tones, dress, and hat, using simplified shapes and colors.
step 04
Refine the skin tones by layering and blending different shades of pink, yellow, and brown, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the dress and hat, such as the folds, ribbons, and textures, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Paint the table and objects on it, focusing on their shapes, colors, and reflections.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting the values, colors, and details as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones using titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Achieve the muted greens by mixing viridian green with raw umber and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the darker tones in the background and shadows.

techniques