plate no. 4750

New England Editor

Thomas Hart Benton, 1946

oilRegionalismportraitportraitfigureinteriordeskbooksship

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, desk, chair, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall composition and proportions, paying close attention to the placement of the figure within the frame.
step 03
Block in the main color areas, starting with the background and then moving to the larger areas of the figure and furniture.
step 04
Develop the values and tones within each color area, gradually building up the form and depth of the objects.
step 05
Focus on rendering the skin tones of the figure, using a variety of subtle color mixtures to capture the nuances of light and shadow.
step 06
Add details such as the facial features, clothing folds, and objects on the desk and bookshelf.
step 07
Refine the edges and transitions between different areas, creating a sense of realism and depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or umber for shadows. The background is a mix of blue, white, and a touch of green or yellow.

techniques