plate no. 3495

A Disc in the City

Fernand Leger, 1919

oilCubismcityscapecityscapebuildingsfiguresgeometric shapeslifebuoy

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric forms and understanding color relationships to create depth and visual interest. It also encourages experimentation with abstract composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and their placement on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
step 03
Define the shapes of the buildings and figures with solid colors.
step 04
Add the lifebuoy as the focal point, paying attention to its circular form and color divisions.
step 05
Introduce subtle gradients and highlights to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes for clarity and definition.
step 07
Add details like windows, railings, and the lettering.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.

color palette

primary · red · green · blue · yellow

secondary · white · black · gray · orange

Mix shades of gray by combining black and white. Achieve the blue gradient by gradually adding white to the base blue. Use yellow and a touch of red to create the orange accents.

techniques