plate no. 4733

The workshop with Mimosa

Pierre Bonnard, 1935

oilIntimisminteriorwindowinteriorlandscapetreesbuildingscurtain

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to represent light and shadow in an impressionistic style. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

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 main shapes of the landscape outside.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
step 03
Layer different shades of yellow and green to create the foliage outside the window.
step 04
Add details to the buildings and trees, using small brushstrokes and varying colors.
step 05
Paint the curtain and the interior elements, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the window frame details.
step 08
Let dry and add a final glaze if desired.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of yellow and green by combining yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Use burnt sienna and alizarin crimson for the warmer tones of the interior and buildings.

techniques