plate no. 0125

Memory of the Halls of Mirrors in Brussels

Otto Dix, 1920

oil, canvasExpressionismnude painting (nu)figurestablebottleinteriormilitarynude

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex scenes with multiple figures and objects, and understanding how to use color and brushwork to create a sense of unease and distortion.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to map out the main figures and objects, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the background geometric shapes and patterns.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the figures, table, and background, using thin washes of paint.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures' faces and bodies, focusing on the exaggerated features and distorted proportions.
step 05
Add details to the table, bottle, and other objects, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the background patterns and textures, using a variety of brushstrokes and color variations.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or brushwork.

color palette

primary · flesh tones (pink, yellow, white) · olive green · red · brown

secondary · black · white · yellow ochre · raw umber

Achieve the flesh tones by mixing white, yellow, and a touch of red. Create the olive green by mixing yellow and blue with a touch of brown. Use raw umber and white to create the grey tones.

techniques

·scumbling
·dry brushing
·layering
·color mixing
·contour drawing

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the complexity of the composition and losing sight of the overall design.
→Failing to capture the distorted proportions and exaggerated features of the figures.
→Using too much detail and creating a cluttered effect.
→Not achieving the desired sense of unease and distortion.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (flesh tones, olive green, red, brown, black, white, yellow ochre, raw umber)
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags