plate no. 9165

Theodore Duret

Edouard Vuillard, 1912

oil, cardboardPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigureinteriorbookscatdesk

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing textures with visible brushstrokes, and creating depth through layering and color variations. It also provides practice in depicting complex scenes with multiple objects and light sources.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, desk, and main objects.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of red and brown tones.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, desk, and books with broad strokes, paying attention to proportions.
step 04
Begin layering colors to define the form of the figure, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and clothing, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the textures of the books, desk, and background with varied brushstrokes and color mixtures.
step 07
Refine the details of the cat and other small objects.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian · ivory black

Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and white for highlights. Create the red background by mixing cadmium red with burnt sienna and a touch of black for shadows.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brush
·layering
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early
→Failing to establish a strong value structure
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
→Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·palette
·assorted brushes
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette knife

optional

·medium gloss
·painting easel
·rags
·mahl stick

Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) for this project. A variety of brush sizes and shapes will be helpful for creating different textures and details.

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