plate no. 3842

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen, 1925

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitscouchwomenclothinginterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting helps students develop skills in capturing expressive figures and simplifying forms while maintaining a sense of style. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve muted tones and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and the couch.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of muted brown/green.
step 03
Establish the main color areas for the figures (skin tones, clothing) and the couch.
step 04
Develop the forms by adding highlights and shadows, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, clothing, and couch, using small brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the final touches, such as the jewelry and the pattern on the rug.
step 07
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create depth.
step 08
Varnish to protect the painting.

color palette

primary · olive green · yellow ochre · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Skin tones can be achieved by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a small amount of burnt sienna.

techniques