plate no. 4903

Femme avec cigarette

Kees van Dongen, 1908

oilFauvismportraitportraitwomanflowercigarettejewelryhair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms, using bold color choices, and understanding how to apply expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form.

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 proportions of the figure, flower, and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, background, flower, and ribbon.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow areas within each color block.
step 04
Use visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement, especially in the hair and flower.
step 05
Define the facial features with bold lines and colors, paying attention to the exaggerated style.
step 06
Add details like the cigarette, jewelry, and highlights in the eyes and hair.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes, adjusting colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow · red · white · dark brown

secondary · green · pink · black

Mix skin tones with white, yellow, and a touch of red. Achieve the background color by mixing dark brown with red and a hint of black. Create the flower colors by mixing red with white for lighter shades and adding a touch of dark brown for shadows.

techniques