plate no. 2937

Woman Ironing

Rik Wouters, 1912

oilFauvismgenre paintingfigureinteriortableironingdomestic sceneclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork and capturing light and shadow with color. It also encourages simplification of forms and creating a sense of atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the ironing board.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, using thicker brushstrokes to define forms and create texture.
step 04
Pay attention to the light source and how it affects the colors and values in the scene.
step 05
Mix colors directly on the canvas to achieve a painterly effect.
step 06
Add details such as the iron, the patterns on the fabric, and the objects in the background.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes of the forms, using both hard and soft edges.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix various shades of blue and white for the ironing board and fabric. Use yellow and white for the figure's clothing, and mix crimson and white for the apron. Use burnt umber and white for the background elements.

techniques