plate no. 8495

Two Little Girls

Frank W. Benson, 1903

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some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in painting white fabric with subtle color variations and capturing realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in creating depth and form through brushwork and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, establishing the dark and light areas.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the dresses, using a limited palette of white and muted colors.
step 04
Begin to refine the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the faces, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the folds and shadows in the dresses, using a combination of blending and layering techniques.
step 07
Add the details of the hair and bows, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors, ensuring that the painting has a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix white with small amounts of raw umber and burnt sienna to create the subtle variations in the white dresses. Use ultramarine blue and cadmium red to create the pinks and purples for skin tones and bows.

techniques