plate no. 1229

Composition with two sailors

Fernand Leger, 1951

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitfiguressailorsropesconstructionskyclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using bold outlines to define objects. It's also a good exercise in color blocking and achieving a flat, graphic style.

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 composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the construction elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: blue for the sky, yellow for the construction beams, and white/gray for the figures' clothing.
step 03
Add the darker outlines around each shape, using a thin brush and black or dark brown paint.
step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, using a limited palette of ochre, white, and a touch of red.
step 05
Paint the details of the ropes, belts, and other smaller elements, paying attention to the texture and form.
step 06
Add the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, keeping the overall style flat and graphic.
step 07
Refine the outlines and shapes as needed, ensuring a clean and crisp finish.
step 08
Add the clouds in the background.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · black

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Create skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, white, and a touch of burnt sienna. Use raw umber and burnt sienna for the ropes.

techniques

·color blocking
·outlining
·simplified forms
·flat color application
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Over-blending colors, losing the crispness of the outlines, making the forms too realistic, using too many colors

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, titanium white, black, burnt sienna, raw umber)
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·palette
·water container
·paper towels

optional