plate no. 7607
Constructive Town
Bela Kadar, 1925
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and geometric abstraction, as well as how to create depth using color temperature and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest and lightest values.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and edges, paying attention to the angles and proportions.
- step 04
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each area, blending where necessary.
- step 05
Add details such as the figure, dog, and still life elements.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the forms.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · beige · grey · green · red
secondary · blue · white · pink
Mix various shades of beige and grey by combining white with small amounts of burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Achieve the greens by mixing blues and yellows, and adjust the temperature with red or brown.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·value studies
- ·simplified forms
- ·color temperature
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the value structure.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits (for oil paints)
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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