plate no. 7619

The Two Sisters

oilPointillismportraitfiguresportraitsistersvaseflowerstablecloth

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for pointillism and how small dots of color can create form and depth. It will also develop patience and precision in applying paint.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figures, vase, and table.
step 02
Establish the background color with a base layer of blue, allowing it to dry.
step 03
Mix the primary colors for the dresses: a range of reds and pinks.
step 04
Begin applying small dots of color to the dresses, varying the hues to create shadows and highlights.
step 05
Mix colors for the skin tones and apply them using the same pointillist technique.
step 06
Create the vase with dots of gold, yellow, and brown.
step 07
Add the details of the tablecloth and flowers, using a variety of colors.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.

color palette

primary · red · blue · yellow · white

secondary · brown · gold · pink · green

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue. The dress colors are created by mixing various shades of red and pink with white for highlights and brown for shadows.

techniques