plate no. 9548

The Inmates of My House (Georgine Schwartze, Thérèse Ansingh, Lizzy Ansingh)

Thérèse Schwartze, 1915

oilImpressionismportraitfiguresportraitstablebooksclothingbackground

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing likeness and rendering clothing folds, as well as understanding how to create depth and atmosphere through color and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, paying attention to the placement and proportions of the figures and the table.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, using broad brushstrokes.
step 03
Begin to define the figures, starting with the darkest areas and gradually adding highlights.
step 04
Focus on capturing the likeness of each figure, paying close attention to the shapes of their faces and features.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as folds and textures, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details of the table and books, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the skin and clothing. Add ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create cool tones.

techniques

·portraiture
·alla prima
·scumbling
·glazing
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the figures.
→Creating a flat, lifeless painting by not paying attention to light and shadow.