plate no. 7231

Portrait de Fernande Olivier

Kees van Dongen, 1905

oilFauvismportraitportraitfigurewomantowelhatskin tones

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use color to create expressive skin tones. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with simplified shapes and bold brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figure.
step 03
Mix and apply the skin tones, using a variety of colors to create depth and interest.
step 04
Define the features of the face, simplifying the shapes and using bold colors.
step 05
Add details to the towel and hat, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and blend the colors where necessary.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · red · gray · black

secondary · blue · green · white

Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, red, and white, with small amounts of green or blue to create shadows. Achieve the gray by mixing black and white.

techniques