plate no. 0166

Lady at the Piano

Felix Vallotton, 1904

oil, canvasIntimismgenre paintinginteriorpianofigurewindowflowersfurniture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing interior light and shadow, as well as rendering textures with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a domestic setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the piano, figure, window, and furniture.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and floor.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns, paying attention to the light source from the window.
step 04
Develop the details of the piano, figure, and furniture, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the details of the wallpaper pattern and the flowers.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, making sure to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue and white for the figure's dress. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the wooden floor and furniture, adding white for highlights. Create the green of the foliage outside the window by mixing viridian green with yellow ochre and white.

techniques