plate no. 1468

At the Mirror

Margit Selska, 1970

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigurehatmirrorportraittableflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing the essence of a subject with simplified forms and visible brushstrokes. It's a good exercise in understanding how to suggest detail rather than rendering it precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and the mirror.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Start building up layers of color, focusing on the shadows and highlights to create depth.
step 04
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest, especially in the clothing and hats.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the reflections in the mirror, simplifying the details.
step 06
Add the details of the flowers and the patterns on the clothing.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes, adjusting the colors and values as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · sap green

Mix yellow ochre and white for the hats, ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the darker areas, and cadmium red and white for the pinks in the flowers. Use green to create a contrast with the red and yellow.

techniques