How to Paint
In Bed, The Kiss by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Difficulty: 3/5
Colours: Burnt sienna, white, blue, lemon yellow, red
Brushes: Medium flat brush, small round brush
This was a very intimate piece to paint – the combination of soft colours and the gentle embrace make you go “aww” when you first see it! While most famous art kisses feature a more romantic, passionate (even dramatic) moment between lovers, this one feels real close to home because of the domestic setting. Most couples can probably relate!
Since the original was painted on cardboard, the burnt sienna wash helps to recreate the brown undertones that peek through parts of the bed. The simplicity of this piece allows for a lot of freedom to interpret in your own way: changing colours, portraying a different pair of lovers, even adding decoration to the bed.
Personally, part of the appeal of this painting is its mark-making – the visible (and imperfect) brush strokes give it some movement and vitality. So don’t try to blend everything too much, and let each layer of paint dry before you apply another colour on top of it.
