plate no. 4501

The Kiss

Marie Laurencin, 1927

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureswomenkisshatbowportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle tones and understanding simplified form representation. It also provides practice in creating a soft, dreamlike atmosphere through blending and limited value contrast.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with diluted washes, starting with the background.
step 03
Gradually build up the colors in the figures, focusing on subtle value changes.
step 04
Refine the shapes and edges of the figures, paying attention to the simplified forms.
step 05
Add details like the eyes, lips, and bow, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Blend the edges of the color areas to create a soft, diffused effect.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and depth.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · rose madder · ultramarine blue

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing white with small amounts of the primary colors. Use blue and black to create grays. Add a touch of yellow ochre for warmth.

techniques