plate no. 4647

Morning Reflections

Robert Lewis Reid, 1910

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitrobetablebowlfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for skin tones and fabric, as well as understanding how to create depth and form with loose brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the main light source and shadow areas to create a sense of form.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the robe.
step 04
Mix and apply skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the robe, such as folds and highlights, using loose brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the table and bowl, capturing the reflections and textures.
step 07
Refine the background, adding depth and interest with foliage and shadows.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the painting is balanced and harmonious.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Mix reds and yellows with white for the robe highlights; use burnt umber and viridian green for the darker areas of the background. Add small amounts of blue to darken shadows.

techniques