plate no. 6961

Woman in the Sun

Edward Hopper, 1961

oil, canvasNew Realismnude painting (nu)figureinteriorwindowlandscapebedlight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting the human figure in a realistic style and understanding how light and shadow define form and create atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, bed, window, and room.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and basic shapes of the landscape outside the window.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the walls, floor, and sky.
step 04
Develop the figure's form using subtle gradations of color and value, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Add details to the bed, window frame, and other elements in the room.
step 06
Refine the landscape outside the window, focusing on the subtle color variations in the hills.
step 07
Add the cast shadows on the floor and bed, paying attention to their shape and intensity.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve a cohesive and realistic effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow light · viridian

The wall color is achieved by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of yellow ochre. The skin tones are created by blending white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. The floor is a mix of viridian and burnt umber.

techniques