plate no. 4401

The Story Hour

Lilla Cabot Perry, 1921

oilImpressionismportraitfiguresportraitinteriorchildrenbookcouch

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and skin tone mixing, as well as understanding how to depict fabric and patterns.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the couch.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in color and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the patterns and textures.
step 05
Work on the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Refine the facial features, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 07
Add final details, such as the book and the jewelry.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · viridian · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black to create shadows and depth. Add viridian to burnt umber for the green in the background.

techniques