plate no. 9100

Variation on Peggy

Walter Sickert, 1935

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigurewaterbuildingscityscapeportraitreflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve muted tones and layering brushstrokes to build form and texture. It also encourages simplification of complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the main architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky/water, the buildings, and the figure, using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the reflections in the water, using vertical strokes and slightly darker values.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, focusing on the shapes of the windows and the overall structure.
step 05
Refine the figure, paying attention to the contours and the subtle variations in color.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Add final details and texture with visible brushstrokes.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · rose madder · sap green

secondary · raw umber · titanium white

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange) and adding white to soften the intensity. Use thin washes of color to build up layers.

techniques