plate no. 0461

Chlapec v měkkém kllobouku

Josef Capek, 1915

oilCubismportraitportraitfigurehatcubismgeometrichead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes and use a limited color palette to create depth and dimension. It also provides practice in observing and representing light and shadow on simplified forms.

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 figure, focusing on proportions and angles.
step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of black.
step 03
Mix a base color for the skin tones (e.g., burnt sienna and white).
step 04
Apply the base skin tone to the appropriate areas, following the geometric shapes.
step 05
Mix darker shades of the skin tone by adding burnt umber or black to the base color.
step 06
Apply the darker shades to create shadows and define the forms.
step 07
Mix lighter shades by adding white to the base color and apply to highlight areas.
step 08
Add the details like the eyes, hat, and collar using appropriate colors and values.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and pink by combining burnt sienna, white, and small amounts of black. Use ultramarine blue sparingly for the collar detail.

techniques