Vanity by Ben Shahn

plate no. 0749

Vanity

oilExpressionismportraitfiguremirrorportraitfloralreflection

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 depict reflections in a mirror.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

3

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the figure, mirror, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background, figure, and mirror.
step 03
Add the floral patterns to the background, varying the size and placement of the flowers.
step 04
Refine the details of the figure, including the clothing and hair.
step 05
Paint the reflection in the mirror, paying attention to the values and colors.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the background. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and white for the roses.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·color mixing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the background.
→Failing to create a convincing reflection in the mirror.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Not paying attention to the values of the colors.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)
·mineral spirits (if using oils)

optional

·medium gloss
·retarder

Use a medium-textured canvas to create a similar effect to the original painting. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor