plate no. 7699

Castor and Pollux

Roger de La Fresnaye, 1922

oilCubismmythological paintingfigureportraitskycloudsmythologicalgeometric

some experience helpful

This painting helps students understand simplified forms and geometric abstraction in portraiture. Recreating it will develop skills in color mixing for skin tones and creating depth with value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes of the figures and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, clouds, and background.
step 03
Mix skin tone colors and apply them to the faces and hands, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Define the geometric features of the faces, such as the nose and hairline, with darker values.
step 05
Add details to the hands and fingers, simplifying their forms.
step 06
Refine the shapes of the clouds and add subtle variations in color.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and harmony.
step 08
Add any final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · purple · black · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and add a touch of purple for the darker areas.

techniques