plate no. 7262

The Counting Lesson

Albert Huie, 1938

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfiguredressbowplantinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including mixing skin tones and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to create depth and form using brushstrokes 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 basic shapes and proportions of the figure, plant, and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value relationships.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, mixing a range of light and dark values.
step 04
Add details to the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Paint the dress, adding the polka dots and the bow.
step 06
Develop the background, including the plant and the window.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review and adjust the painting as needed to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones by blending burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired value and hue. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark blue of the dress.

techniques