plate no. 6584

The Rehearsal

Marie Laurencin, 1936

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresgroup portraitdogmusical instrumentdraperyflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones, and simplifying complex compositions into manageable shapes. It also encourages exploration of a limited color palette to create harmony.

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 placement of the figures and the dog, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for each figure, using simplified shapes and avoiding details.
step 03
Mix skin tones using white, pink, and a touch of yellow or brown, and apply to the figures' faces and bodies.
step 04
Add the drapery and clothing, focusing on the folds and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Paint the background with simple, flat colors, creating a sense of depth and space.
step 06
Add details such as the flowers in the hair, the musical instrument, and the dog's features.
step 07
Refine the shapes and colors, adjusting values and adding highlights to create a sense of form.
step 08
Add final touches and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · viridian green · raw umber

Mix various shades of pink by combining white and red. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, pink, and a touch of yellow or brown. Use ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow to create greens.

techniques