plate no. 7052

The Secret Garden

Charles Robinson, 1912

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationfigurewindowgardencurtaininteriorflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures with clothing folds, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, and capturing the texture of fabrics and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: figure, window, curtains, and garden.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the figure's clothing, skin tones, and the background elements.
step 03
Begin layering in details on the figure, focusing on the folds and shadows in the dress and hat.
step 04
Develop the window and garden scene, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective and softening details in the distance.
step 05
Add highlights to the figure and the reflective surfaces of the floor and window panes.
step 06
Refine the details of the curtains, adding patterns and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to match the original painting.
step 08
Add final details like the bird outside the window and subtle textures.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Rose madder · Payne's gray

Mix Prussian blue and burnt umber for the dress shadows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix rose madder and white for the flowers.

techniques