plate no. 3973

1943-45 (St Ives, Cornwall)

Ben Nicholson, 1945

graphite, oilCubismlandscapestill lifeboatsharborwindowcurtainsbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand simplification of form and how to create depth using overlapping shapes and subtle value changes. It also provides practice in creating a limited color palette and using geometric shapes to represent complex objects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the objects and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background and working forward.
step 03
Define the shapes of the objects with darker values and clean edges.
step 04
Add details to the boats and buildings in the background, using a fine brush.
step 05
Refine the shapes and values of the objects in the foreground, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Add the details of the flag and the lines on the cups.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to match the original painting.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · gray · white · beige · light blue

secondary · red · brown · black

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black, burnt umber, and blue. Use thin washes of color to create subtle variations in tone.

techniques