plate no. 4683

Mrs. Holley of Cos Cob, Connecticut

Childe Hassam, 1912

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigureinteriorlampswindowtable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand impressionistic color mixing and how to use broken color to create light and form. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with loose, expressive 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, lamps, and window.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas with diluted paint.
step 03
Begin adding layers of broken color, using short, distinct brushstrokes to build up form and texture.
step 04
Focus on capturing the light and shadow patterns, paying attention to how light interacts with different surfaces.
step 05
Refine the details of the figure's face and clothing, using smaller brushstrokes to add definition.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to the lamps and other objects to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Add final details and touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cerulean blue · sap green · cadmium orange

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of yellow ochre, blue, and umber to create the subtle color variations in the figure's clothing and the surrounding environment. Use orange and umber for the lamps.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling
·alla prima
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Using too much detail and creating a stiff, unnatural effect.
→Failing to capture the light and shadow patterns accurately.
→Not mixing colors effectively, resulting in a muddy or dull palette.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette knife
·rags

optional

·painting medium
·varnish
·easel

Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time of the oil paints.

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