plate no. 4125

On the Verandah (Ironbound Island, Maine)

John Singer Sargent, 1922

pencil, watercolor, paperImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresporchcolumnsgardenchairsarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor washes, capturing light and shadow, and depicting figures in a relaxed setting. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre or raw sienna to the entire paper to create a warm undertone.
step 03
Begin with the sky and background, using diluted blues and greens for the foliage and sky, working wet-on-wet to blend colors.
step 04
Paint the columns with a light grey wash, adding shadows to define their form.
step 05
Block in the figures with light washes of color, gradually building up the tones and details.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, faces, and hands, using smaller brushes and more concentrated colors.
step 07
Paint the porch floor with a mix of reds and browns, varying the intensity to create depth.
step 08
Add final details such as the knitting, facial features, and shadows to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · sap green · alizarin crimson · raw umber

Mix blues and yellows for various greens; use burnt sienna and ultramarine blue for grays and browns. Dilute colors extensively for washes and build up intensity gradually.

techniques