plate no. 5667

Girls in the Garden

Frank W. Benson, 1906

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresgardentreesgrasssunlightflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow, as well as creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and brushwork. It's also a good exercise in painting figures in a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main elements of the landscape.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by laying in broad washes of color for the sky, grass, and trees.
step 03
Block in the figures with simplified shapes, paying attention to the light and shadow on their forms.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the landscape, adding texture and variation to the grass, trees, and flowers.
step 05
Develop the figures further, adding details to their clothing and faces, and refining their poses.
step 06
Pay close attention to the way the light interacts with the scene, and adjust the colors and values accordingly.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to balance the elements.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and raw umber. Achieve the warm highlights on the figures and foliage by mixing titanium white with cadmium yellow and a touch of alizarin crimson.

techniques