plate no. 9911

Spring Planting, Greenwich Village

John French Sloan, 1913

oil, canvasNew Realismgenre paintingfiguresgardenfencebuildingsclotheslinecat

some experience helpful

This painting offers a chance to practice figure painting in a natural setting and to explore color temperature variations in light and shadow. Students will develop skills in capturing the essence of a scene with loose brushstrokes and simplified forms.

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 key elements like the fence and buildings.
step 02
Establish the background colors, including the sky, buildings, and fence, using thin washes.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified colors and values.
step 04
Develop the ground and shadows, paying attention to the warm and cool color variations.
step 05
Add details to the figures, such as facial features and clothing patterns, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details like the cat, clothesline, and plants.
step 08
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to achieve a cohesive look.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of purple by combining red and blue, and create earth tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Achieve the pinkish hues of the buildings by mixing red and white with a touch of blue.

techniques