plate no. 8633

La rentrée

Anita Malfatti, 1927

oilPost-Impressionismgenre paintingfiguresinteriorroommirrorfurnitureclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in an interior setting and understanding how to use a limited palette to create a harmonious color scheme. Students will also practice creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

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 composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and furniture.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the walls, floor, and larger objects.
step 03
Begin adding details to the figures, starting with the skin tones and then moving on to the clothing.
step 04
Develop the background elements, such as the curtains, furniture, and mirror.
step 05
Add texture and depth by layering brushstrokes and varying the paint thickness.
step 06
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Pay close attention to the light and shadow to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium green

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones for the walls and floor. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix green with yellow and blue for the dress.

techniques