plate no. 3021

White Peonies

Theo van Rysselberghe, 1913

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismportraitflowersportraitwomantablevaseinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in white and green, as well as practice layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure, table, vases, and flower arrangement.
step 02
Block in the background with light, muted colors, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the table and vases, focusing on the reflected light.
step 04
Begin layering the greens of the foliage, using different shades to create depth and volume.
step 05
Start building up the white flowers, using a variety of whites and creams to capture the light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the figure, focusing on the soft lighting and subtle color variations in the skin tones.
step 07
Refine the details of the flowers and foliage, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance of color and tone.

color palette

primary · titanium white · viridian green · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · alizarin crimson

Achieve the subtle variations in white by mixing titanium white with small amounts of yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, or alizarin crimson. Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or ultramarine blue.

techniques