plate no. 0794
Business
Charles Demuth, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations. Students will also learn about creating the illusion of depth through overlapping shapes and careful value control.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and lines of the composition, paying attention to proportions and angles.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the lightest tones.
- step 03
Gradually build up the darker values, layering colors to create depth and dimension.
- step 04
Carefully define the edges of the shapes, using a fine brush to create crisp lines.
- step 05
Add the details of the calendar, including the numbers and letters.
- step 06
Refine the color and value relationships, adjusting the tones to create a sense of harmony.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism of the painting.
- step 08
Let it dry and add a varnish layer.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Mix raw umber and white for the gray tones. Use cadmium red light and white to create the red background. Mix yellow ochre with a touch of raw umber to achieve the calendar's color.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color layering
- ·hard-edge painting
- ·glazing
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the geometric shapes.
- →Uneven color application.
- →Overworking the details.
- →Inaccurate value relationships.
- →Muddy color mixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#4 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface is recommended for achieving clean lines.
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