Dance at Bougival
Renoir
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This painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841 - 1919 ) was completed in1883 and is oil-on-canvas. It is currently in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, USA. The complete painting is 181.9 by 98.1cm, which makes this section somewhere around 44 x 37cm. (ratio 1.2). The painting is described as exhibiting Renoir’s classical training, but with Impressionist influences.
Oil on canvas board. Size: 40 x 33cm (ratio 1.2)
I didn’t pre-draw the composition before painting and I was surprised by the accuracy I achieved. Renoir uses quite intense colours with visible brushstrokes. However, he doesn’t define the edges of faces and in some places – such as the woman’s chin – there is no clear difference in tone or hue between the sleeve of her dress and her chin. The lower left edges of her face are also soft, even against the darker tones of her hat. This seems to be the evidence of classical technique.
I worked with a very limited palette – Zorn plus cerulean blue, which made it very difficult to achieve the colours correctly. He used short brushstrokes to get the texture of the man’s hat and the woman’s bonnet which is missing from my copy. However, I was pleased with the effect I achieved with the woman’s blouse, particularly on the sleeve.
Notes to me......
• Be more mindful of the brushstrokes used to achieve specific textures.