plate no. 3320

Woman before a mirror

Kees van Dongen, 1908

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfiguremirrordresserportraitreflectionroom

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes and mixing skin tones with unconventional colors. It also provides experience in depicting reflections and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, dresser, and mirror.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the background, dresser, and figure with thin washes.
step 03
Start building up the darker values on the dresser and the shadows on the figure.
step 04
Add highlights to the figure's dress and skin, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the reflection in the mirror, paying attention to the colors and shapes.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and hands, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Add the final touches to the background and floor, blending colors as needed.
step 08
Review and adjust the values and colors to achieve a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · red · white · blue · yellow

secondary · purple · green · brown

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue or green. Achieve the dresser's color by mixing red, brown, and a bit of blue. Use purple and blue for the background, adding white for highlights.

techniques