plate no. 8898
The Garden Door
Childe Hassam, 1888
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, doorway, and key elements.
- step 02
Establish the background colors, blocking in the sky and wall with loose brushstrokes.
- step 03
Paint the figure, starting with the larger shapes of the dress and blouse, then adding details.
- step 04
Develop the foliage and flowers, using broken color and varied brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Add the watering cans, paying attention to their metallic sheen and reflections.
- step 06
Refine the details of the doorway and surrounding brickwork.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall impression.
color palette
primary · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · sap green
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to soften the intensity. The wall is a mix of reds, yellows, and browns with white.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impressionistic brushwork
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →using colors that are too saturated
- →losing the overall impressionistic effect
- →incorrect proportions of the figure
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
