plate no. 2806
Miss Whiting
George Ault, 1923
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing simplified forms and color blocking. Students can learn to create a sense of depth using subtle value changes within a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the background, the chair, the dress, and the figure's skin.
- step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and contours of the figure and chair.
- step 04
Mix lighter tones to create highlights on the dress, skin, and chair.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and shoes.
- step 06
Add the details of the window and the picture frame on the wall.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · pink · green · brown · black
secondary · white · gray
Mix pink by combining red and white, adjust the shade by adding small amounts of brown or yellow. Achieve the green by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the shade by adding brown or black.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified forms
- ·subtle shading
- ·layering
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the forms
- →Using too many colors
- →Not paying attention to the value relationships
- →Getting lost in details too early
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Canvas or painting panel
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round and flat brushes
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Color chart
- ·Reference photo print
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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