plate no. 4222

Woman Reading in a Garden

Mary Cassatt, 1880

oil, canvasImpressionismportraitfigurewomangardenflowerschairreading

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, chair, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large areas of color for the background, figure, and chair.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and values of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in skin tone and the folds of the dress.
step 04
Add details to the flowers and foliage in the background, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, focusing on capturing the expression and likeness of the subject.
step 06
Add the details of the chair and the newspaper, paying attention to the way the light interacts with these objects.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a sense of unity and balance.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use viridian and ultramarine blue to create the greens of the foliage. Mix white with small amounts of the other colors to create the light tones in the dress.

techniques