plate no. 1792

On the Veranda

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigureportraitmotherbabyverandatrees

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice simplified forms and color blocking. Students can learn to create depth using subtle value changes and broken color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figures, the veranda structure, and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the trees, the red veranda, and the white clothing.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the folds and contours of the clothing.
step 04
Add details to the faces, using small brushstrokes and subtle color variations.
step 05
Develop the background by adding layers of color and texture to the trees and foliage.
step 06
Refine the red veranda structure, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · sap green

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · gray

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of yellow ochre, raw umber, or gray to create the subtle variations in the clothing. Use cadmium red straight from the tube for the veranda, and mix sap green with yellow ochre and raw umber for the foliage.

techniques