plate no. 3115

Juanita

John French Sloan, 1930

panel, temperaNew Realismportraitportraitfigurewomandresschairbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop their understanding of portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and layering techniques to create depth and texture. Students will also learn to capture the likeness and expression of a subject.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure and background, paying attention to proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, using a limited palette of warm tones.
step 03
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, using subtle variations in hue and value.
step 04
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, focusing on capturing the subject's likeness.
step 05
Paint the dress, paying attention to the patterns and folds of the fabric.
step 06
Develop the background, using loose brushstrokes and warm colors to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust the overall color balance.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw umber · ivory black

Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Add small amounts of cadmium red for warmth and raw umber for shadows. Use ivory black sparingly to darken colors.

techniques