plate no. 5797

Composition I

Vilhelm Lundstrom, 1918

oilCubismstill lifeabstractshapesstill lifegeometrictexture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand abstract composition and explore layering techniques to create depth and visual interest. It also provides practice in mixing muted color palettes and applying varied textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and their placement on the canvas, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a muted gray-purple color, varying the tone slightly for depth.
step 03
Paint the larger geometric shapes with their respective colors (red, yellow, black), focusing on clean edges.
step 04
Add the textured elements, such as the red patterned shape and the mesh-like strip, using appropriate techniques.
step 05
Create the domino-like strip with white paint and black dots, ensuring even spacing.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the color values to create contrast and visual interest.
step 07
Add the small details, like the gold accents on the black shape and the scattered dots at the bottom.
step 08
Apply a final layer of varnish to protect the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · gray-purple · red · yellow · black

secondary · white · gold

The gray-purple background can be achieved by mixing blue, red, and white with a touch of black. The red and yellow can be muted by adding small amounts of black or brown.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·geometric abstraction

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the color palette and losing the muted tones.
→Failing to create enough contrast between the shapes and the background.
→Neglecting the textured elements, which add depth and visual interest.
→Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch, leading to a distorted composition.