plate no. 5924

Mother and Mary

Edmund Charles Tarbell, 1922

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintinginteriorfiguresroomwindowfurniturelight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing subtle light and shadow variations, as well as painting figures in an interior setting with a focus on atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth and space through color and value.

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 figures and major furniture elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of color, such as the walls, floor, and windows.
step 03
Begin to refine the light and shadow patterns, paying attention to how the light enters the room and illuminates the figures.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, including their clothing and facial features.
step 05
Add details to the furniture and other objects in the room, such as the desk, chairs, and rug.
step 06
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the colors and values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Let the painting dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing yellow ochre, raw umber, and white. Use small amounts of alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue to create grays and shadows.

techniques