plate no. 9223

Girl Reading

Isaac Israels, 1906

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitparktreesnewspaperfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork and capturing light and shadow on a figure in an outdoor setting. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the skin tones, the dress, the background foliage, and the newspaper.
step 03
Start with the darkest values, gradually building up to the lighter tones.
step 04
Use loose, expressive brushstrokes to capture the texture and form of the subject.
step 05
Pay attention to the way light falls on the figure, creating highlights and shadows.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and hands, but avoid overworking them.
step 07
Add the finishing touches, such as the details of the newspaper and the background figures.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix skin tones with yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of cadmium red. Achieve the greens by mixing viridian green with yellow ochre and white. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques