plate no. 3372

Girl at a Blue Table

William Scott, 1938

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguretablepitchercupinteriorchair

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive scene. Students will practice color mixing and creating depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly onto the canvas, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and table.
step 03
Define the figure's form and clothing, focusing on the stripes and the overall shape.
step 04
Add details to the pitcher and cup, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, blending where necessary to create smooth transitions.
step 06
Add texture with visible brushstrokes, especially in the background and on the table.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
step 08
Make final adjustments to colors, values, and details as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna

Mix blues and whites for the table and pitcher. Use umber and sienna for the background and figure's skin tones. Add yellow to the skin tone mix to warm it up.

techniques