plate no. 4116

Joseph Bernheim Jeune and Gaston Bernheim de Villers

Pierre Bonnard, 1920

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismportraitfiguresinteriorportraitstableroom

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use broken color to create texture and atmosphere, as well as how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks. It will also help them practice portraiture and capturing likeness.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and major elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, using thin washes to establish the overall tone.
step 03
Begin building up layers of color, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 04
Pay attention to the light and shadow, and use them to define the forms.
step 05
Refine the details of the figures, focusing on the facial features and expressions.
step 06
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
step 08
Make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · violet · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and ochre by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the cool tones in the background and shadows. Mix red and blue to create the purples.

techniques