apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Acacias
Acacias by André Lhote

plate no. 2131

Acacias

André Lhote, 1959

oilCubismlandscapelandscapetreeshillsbuildingsskyvegetation
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using color to define form and space. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the landscape, focusing on the geometric forms.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main color areas with thin washes of paint, establishing the overall color scheme.

  3. step 03

    Begin to define the shapes and forms with thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.

  4. step 04

    Mix and apply the secondary colors to add depth and interest to the painting.

  5. step 05

    Use contrasting colors to create highlights and shadows, emphasizing the geometric structure.

  6. step 06

    Add details such as tree branches and architectural elements, maintaining the simplified style.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges of the shapes and forms, creating a sense of depth and dimension.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow · green · blue · orange

secondary · pink · brown · purple

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Create variations by adding white or small amounts of red. Achieve browns by mixing complementary colors such as blue and orange.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·geometric abstraction
  • ·expressive brushstrokes
  • ·color layering
  • ·simplification

common pitfalls

  • →overworking the details
  • →losing the geometric structure
  • →muddying the colors
  • →uneven color distribution

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·easel
  • ·rags
  • ·turpentine or paint thinner (for oil paints)

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Komposition

Komposition

Leo Leuppi

Landscape near Martigues

Landscape near Martigues

Andre Derain

Windmill

Windmill

Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso

Untitled (Husain's Family)

Untitled (Husain's Family)

M.F. Husain

At the bar

At the bar

Carlos Saenz de Tejada

Figures by a Rock Pool

Figures by a Rock Pool

Dorrit Black

Postava

Postava

Josef Capek

Gelmeroda III

Gelmeroda III

Lyonel Feininger