plate no. 9232

A Chilly Morning in Luxembourg

Alice Bailly, 1921

oil, canvasCubismportraitportraitfigurehatfur collarglovesarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding subtle color variations within a limited palette. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through layering and tonal values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall tonal values.
step 03
Begin layering colors to build depth and dimension in the fur collar and clothing.
step 04
Refine the shapes of the face and hands, paying attention to subtle details.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create form and volume.
step 06
Define the architectural elements in the background with simple geometric shapes.
step 07
Blend edges where necessary to create smooth transitions between colors.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve the various browns and grays by mixing raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white in different proportions. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or burnt sienna for warmth.

techniques