plate no. 2798

Mary

Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1900

oilRealismreligious paintingfigureinteriorreligiousshadowsdraperylight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict light and shadow to create depth and form, as well as how to render fabric and drapery with realistic folds and textures. It also provides practice in capturing a mood through color and composition.

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 major elements of the room.
step 02
Establish the light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the background, floor, and figure, using thin washes.
step 04
Begin building up the form of the figure, paying attention to the folds and drapery of the clothing.
step 05
Develop the details of the face and hands, focusing on capturing the expression and gesture.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, adding highlights and deepening the dark areas.
step 07
Add details to the background and floor, such as the textures of the walls and the wood grain.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing small amounts of secondary colors into the primary colors. Use white to create highlights and thin washes to build up the colors gradually.

techniques