plate no. 7599

The Broken Mirror

oilRococogenre paintingfigureinteriordressdogfurnituremirror

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering fabric folds, capturing subtle skin tones, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in depicting realistic textures and details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition.
step 02
Establish the background tones, focusing on the subtle variations in color and value.
step 03
Block in the main forms of the figure, paying attention to the proportions and pose.
step 04
Start building up the layers of the dress, using light and shadow to create the illusion of volume and texture.
step 05
Carefully render the face, focusing on capturing the expression and subtle details.
step 06
Add the details of the furniture, accessories, and dog, paying attention to their textures and colors.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve the subtle skin tones by mixing titanium white, raw umber, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Create the fabric's sheen by layering thin glazes of white and raw umber.

techniques