plate no. 1342

Marie in the Garden

oilImpressionismportraitfiguregardenflowersportraitumbrelladress

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 through color and brushwork. It also provides practice in rendering the human figure in a natural setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the main elements of the garden.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, paying attention to the overall value and temperature.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, starting with the dress and then adding the shawl and umbrella.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figure, focusing on the face and hands.
step 05
Add the flowers and foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 06
Develop the light and shadow, paying attention to the way the light falls on the figure and the surrounding foliage.
step 07
Add final details and highlights, such as the gold accents on the dress and the highlights on the flowers.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · viridian green · purple · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or titanium white. Achieve the purples by mixing ultramarine blue and cadmium red. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques