plate no. 6096

The Open Window

Frank W. Benson, 1917

oilRealismgenre paintingfigureinteriorwindowlighttableflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow, creating atmospheric perspective, and rendering fabric textures with subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, windows, and furniture.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the highlights and shadows.
step 04
Develop the details of the figure, including the clothing and facial features.
step 05
Add details to the background elements, such as the windows, table, and flowers.
step 06
Refine the edges and details, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian

Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing small amounts of the secondary colors into the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and umber to darken.

techniques