plate no. 4375

Scrubwoman, Astor Library

John French Sloan, 1911

oil, canvasNew Realismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorlibrarybookshelvesarchitecturecleaning

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in an interior space with complex lighting, and practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the architectural elements.
step 02
Establish the main light source and shadow areas with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the background, figures, and architectural details.
step 04
Develop the values and color temperatures in the background to create depth.
step 05
Refine the figures, paying attention to their anatomy and clothing.
step 06
Add details to the bookshelves and other architectural elements.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and subtle color variations.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
→Creating figures that appear flat or lifeless.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags