plate no. 0816

Composition With Figures

Mario Zanini, 1965

oilCubismgenre paintingfiguresbuildingsstreet scenecityscapewomenarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and understanding color relationships to create depth and form. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of figures through stylized representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and buildings, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, using simplified shapes for each element.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures and buildings, adding details like windows, balconies, and clothing.
step 04
Mix and apply the secondary colors to add depth and interest to the composition.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 06
Define the edges of shapes with darker or lighter colors to create contrast.
step 07
Add final details such as jewelry, patterns on clothing, and textures on buildings.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.

color palette

primary · blue · yellow · red · brown

secondary · green · orange · white

Mix various shades of brown by combining red, yellow, and blue. Create lighter tones by adding white to the primary colors. Achieve green by mixing blue and yellow.

techniques