plate no. 7107

Portrait of Mrs. Giroux

Rik Wouters, 1913

oilFauvismportraitfigureportraitdressmirrorinteriorreflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork, color mixing for skin tones and fabrics, and capturing light and shadow with simplified forms. It also provides practice in depicting reflections and creating a sense of depth through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the mirror.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Start building up the values and details of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add the details of the dress, using loose brushstrokes to capture the fabric's texture.
step 05
Paint the background and the reflection in the mirror, simplifying the details.
step 06
Refine the edges and add any final details, such as the facial features and the shoe.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black · viridian

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the dress's subtle shades by mixing white with small amounts of blue, red, and yellow. Achieve the warm tones of the background by blending yellow ochre, red, and burnt sienna.

techniques