plate no. 8573

Abram Efros

Jury Annenkov, 1921

oilCubismportraitportraitmanglassescigarettecubismfigure

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding value relationships to create depth. Students can also learn about the principles of cubism and how to apply them to portraiture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the major shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and hand.
step 02
Divide the face and clothing into geometric planes, simplifying the forms into angular shapes.
step 03
Establish the darkest values first, focusing on areas of shadow and contrast.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, blending slightly to create subtle transitions between planes.
step 05
Add the highlights to define the edges and create a sense of form.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, while maintaining the geometric style.
step 07
Add the details of the hand and cigarette, paying attention to the angles and proportions.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create a cohesive and dynamic composition.

color palette

primary · graphite · white

secondary · gray · black

Varying the pressure and blending of graphite will create the different shades of gray.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·geometric abstraction
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overtly blending the values, losing the geometric planes.
→Getting lost in details too early, before establishing the overall composition.
→Failing to simplify the forms into basic shapes.
→Ignoring the value relationships and creating a flat, lifeless image.