plate no. 5040

Dans les Folies Bergères

Kees van Dongen, 1914

oilPost-Impressionismgenre paintingfigureinteriorpaintingtablesculpturemirror

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive composition. Students will also learn to create depth using color temperature and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figures and furniture.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, adding details and refining the shapes.
step 04
Pay attention to the edges of the forms, softening some and sharpening others to create depth.
step 05
Add the final details, such as the jewelry, the patterns on the sculpture, and the highlights on the figures.
step 06
Use thin glazes to adjust the color and value of the painting as needed.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely before varnishing.

color palette

primary · red · white · yellow

secondary · blue · brown · ochre

Mix various shades of red by adding white, brown, or ochre. Create skin tones by mixing red, yellow, and white. Use blue to create shadows and cool tones.

techniques