plate no. 1515

Lady in White

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfigureinteriortablechairwine glassdress

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with broken color, and in simplifying complex forms into expressive brushstrokes. It's a good exercise in capturing a mood and atmosphere rather than precise detail.

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 table.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to define the overall value structure.
step 03
Block in the main color areas using thin washes, paying attention to the subtle color variations in the white dress and tablecloth.
step 04
Begin building up layers of paint, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 05
Focus on capturing the light and shadow on the figure and the surrounding objects.
step 06
Add details to the face and hands, but avoid overworking them.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · alizarin crimson · cerulean blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of white by adding small amounts of black, umber, or blue. Create the wine color by mixing alizarin crimson with a touch of black and umber.

techniques