plate no. 1459

l'Ecuyère

Kees van Dongen, 1920

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigureportraitwomangreen dresshatdark background

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice expressive brushwork and capturing a likeness with simplified forms. Students can learn to create depth using value changes and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the dark background using broad strokes of mixed grays and blacks.
step 03
Block in the main areas of green for the dress and hat, varying the shades slightly.
step 04
Add lighter tones to the skin, focusing on the highlights and shadows.
step 05
Define the facial features with careful brushstrokes, paying attention to the eyes and mouth.
step 06
Add details such as the jewelry and embellishments on the dress.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend areas where needed to create a sense of form.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall contrast.

color palette

primary · viridian green · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · purple

Mix various shades of green by combining viridian green with white, black, and small amounts of blue or yellow. Achieve skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of red, yellow, and brown.

techniques