plate no. 8067
Eleanor
Frank W. Benson, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow on fabric and skin tones, as well as creating depth using color temperature and brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and placement.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad strokes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure's dress, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
- step 04
Begin to refine the skin tones, using subtle variations of color to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the hat, focusing on the texture and form.
- step 06
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, using broken brushstrokes to create a sense of movement.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · titanium white · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · viridian green · burnt umber
Mix pinks by combining white with alizarin crimson and a touch of yellow ochre. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow, and use burnt umber to create shadows and earthy tones.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using too much pure white and creating a chalky effect.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in skin tone.
- →Not establishing a clear light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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