plate no. 1663

Sammy and His Mother

Robert Henri, 1915

oilAmerican Realismportraitportraitmotherchildfigureclothingfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing likeness and skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth through layering and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures, focusing on the relationship between the mother and child.
step 02
Establish the background colors with loose, expressive brushstrokes, suggesting the foliage.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figures, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subjects.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, using variations in color and brushstroke to create texture and form.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, particularly on the faces and hands.
step 07
Refine the background, adding details and variations in color to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of skin tones using burnt sienna, white, and small amounts of red and yellow. Darken colors with ivory black and lighten with white.

techniques