plate no. 5170
Birds
Franz Marc, 1914
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color relationships and how to create dynamic compositions using geometric shapes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex subjects into abstract forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the birds and the overall structure.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, using the primary colors as a base.
- step 03
Begin layering colors, building up depth and contrast within each shape.
- step 04
Pay attention to the direction of the brushstrokes to enhance the geometric feel.
- step 05
Mix secondary colors and apply them to create transitions and highlights.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and edges, sharpening some and softening others.
- step 07
Add details to the birds, such as eyes and beaks, using small brushstrokes.
- step 08
Step back and adjust the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · viridian green
secondary · purple · orange
Mix greens from blue and yellow, purples from red and blue, and oranges from red and yellow. Vary the proportions to achieve different shades and intensities.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·broken color
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·layering
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors and creating muddy tones.
- →Losing the geometric structure of the composition.
- →Ignoring the direction of brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not establishing strong value contrasts.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, viridian green, titanium white)
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better paint adhesion. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
