plate no. 7215

The Window

Pierre Bonnard, 1925

oilIntimisminteriorwindowinteriorcityscapetablebooksky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also provides practice in capturing the impression of a scene rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the window frame and the view outside.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color for the sky, distant hills, and cityscape.
step 03
Establish the colors of the window frame and shutters, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Paint the tabletop and objects on it, including the book, paper, and inkwell.
step 05
Add details to the cityscape, such as the rooftops and trees, using small brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, blending and layering as needed.
step 07
Add final details, such as the writing on the book and the texture of the window frame.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall impression, making any necessary adjustments.