plate no. 2492

Lady in Blue in front of a Mirror

Rik Wouters, 1914

oilFauvismgenre paintingfiguremirrorflowersinteriortablereflection

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing reflections and using loose brushstrokes to define form. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes and focus on capturing the essence of the subject.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, the mirror, the vase, and the table.
step 02
Block in the background colors with thin washes, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 03
Establish the main values of the figure's dress, using a limited palette of blues and grays.
step 04
Paint the vase and flowers, using quick, expressive brushstrokes to capture their form and texture.
step 05
Add the reflections in the mirror, paying attention to the distortion and color shifts.
step 06
Define the details of the table and other objects in the scene, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
step 07
Refine the edges and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create visual interest.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of blue by combining ultramarine blue with raw umber and white. Create greens by mixing sap green with yellow ochre. Use red and yellow ochre sparingly for accents.

techniques