plate no. 2967

The Mice Hear Simpkin Outside

Beatrix Potter, 1902

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationmicecandlesroomclothinginteriorlight

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing animal anatomy and rendering fur texture with hatching and cross-hatching. Students can also learn about creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the mice and the main objects.
step 02
Establish the basic shapes and proportions of each mouse, paying attention to their poses.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the mice, clothing, and background using diluted washes.
step 04
Add layers of hatching and cross-hatching to build up the fur texture and create shadows.
step 05
Define the details of the faces, ears, and tails of the mice.
step 06
Paint the candles and the light they emit, using brighter colors and highlights.
step 07
Add the details of the clothing and the wooden floor and walls.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and add any final touches.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · payne's gray

secondary · rose madder · cerulean blue · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and raw sienna for the base color of the mice fur. Add Payne's gray for shadows and rose madder for highlights. Use diluted washes of yellow ochre for the wooden surfaces.

techniques