plate no. 9571

Portrait of Alexander J. Cassat and His Son Robert Kelso Cassatt

oil, canvasImpressionismportraitfiguresportraitfathersoninteriorchair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing likeness and relationships between figures, as well as using loose brushwork to suggest details rather than define them precisely. Students will also learn to simplify a scene and focus on the essential elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and chair.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subjects.
step 06
Paint the background, using soft, blended brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish to protect the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Achieve darks with black, umber, and a touch of blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques