plate no. 6211

Frank Weston Benson

Andrey Allakhverdov, 2018

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguresflowerspalettechairinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also offers practice in capturing the likeness of a subject and conveying a sense of depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background colors and values, working from dark to light.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and colors of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, flowers, and other elements, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Mix and apply skin tones, layering colors to create depth and realism.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of three-dimensionality.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the overall composition as needed.

color palette

primary · red · white · green · blue

secondary · yellow · brown · pink

Mix skin tones using combinations of red, yellow, white, and a touch of blue or green. Achieve the deep reds by layering red with brown or black. Use white to create highlights and lighten colors.

techniques