plate no. 3466

A Slice of Watermelon

Louis Marcoussis, 1927

oilCubismstill lifewatermelonstill lifefruitcupmoontable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and color blocking to create a cubist still life. Students will also practice layering colors to create depth and dimension.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life, paying attention to the geometric forms.
step 02
Block in the main colors of each object (watermelon, cup, lemon, background) using flat, simplified tones.
step 03
Add layers of color to create depth and dimension within each object, focusing on subtle shifts in value and hue.
step 04
Define the edges of the shapes with darker or lighter tones to create contrast and separation.
step 05
Add details such as the watermelon seeds, the patterns on the background, and the highlights on the cup.
step 06
Refine the overall composition by adjusting the colors and values as needed.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and form.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · red · green · white · brown

secondary · gray · blue · yellow · black

Mix shades of pink for the watermelon flesh by combining red and white. Create variations of gray by mixing white and black with small amounts of blue or brown.

techniques