plate no. 7519

Princess Bibesco (Marthe Lahovary)

Edouard Vuillard, 1920

oilIntimismportraitfigureinteriorroomfurniturewindowportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle hues and values, as well as layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and major furniture elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and walls.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights.
step 04
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the folds of the dress and the facial features.
step 05
Add details to the furniture and other objects in the room, such as the vase of flowers and the tapestry.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the tones to create a harmonious overall effect.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · rose madder · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light

Achieve the subtle pinks and grays by mixing white with small amounts of rose madder, raw umber, and yellow ochre. Use viridian and ultramarine blue to create the greens and blues for the accents.

techniques