plate no. 4040

Mrs Barrett

Walter Sickert, 1908

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigureinteriorpaintingclothingpearl necklace

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing likeness through loose brushstrokes and understanding how to create depth using value and color temperature variations. It also encourages expressive mark-making to convey texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background elements.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones, focusing on the overall color temperature of each area.
step 04
Begin building up layers of color, using short, directional brushstrokes to define form.
step 05
Pay attention to the light and shadow on the face, using subtle color shifts to create depth.
step 06
Add details such as the pearl necklace and the red stripe on the clothing.
step 07
Refine the edges and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use Prussian blue to cool down the grays and create shadows. Add small amounts of cadmium red light and yellow ochre to warm up certain areas.

techniques