plate no. 8569

The Last Look in the Mirror

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguredressinteriormirrortableornament

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures with loose brushwork and capturing the interplay of light and shadow in an interior setting. It also provides practice in depicting the human figure in a dynamic pose.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the mirror, the table, and the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the background colors with thin washes, focusing on the variations in tone and the play of light.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's dress, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 04
Start building up the details of the dress with short, broken brushstrokes, capturing the texture and patterns.
step 05
Add the highlights and shadows to the figure, defining the form and creating depth.
step 06
Work on the details of the mirror and table, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 07
Refine the background and foreground, adding details and adjusting the values to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve the subtle variations in the dress by mixing ultramarine blue with white and small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber. Use red and black to create the dark shadows in the cloak.

techniques