plate no. 1960

The Milliner

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1900

oil, cardboardPost-Impressionismportraitfigureportraitwomanhatsinteriorclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow on a figure and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to depict skin tones and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones with layers of color, focusing on the subtle variations.
step 04
Define the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and ruffles.
step 05
Add the dark shapes of the hats and background, using bold brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and hair, capturing the expression and texture.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna or alizarin crimson. Achieve the dark blues and blacks by mixing ultramarine blue and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and white to create the highlights on the clothing.

techniques