plate no. 5958

Couple

Louis Marcoussis, 1922

oilCubismgenre paintingfigurecouplegeometric shapesabstractportraitcubism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric abstraction and how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It will also develop skills in color blocking and creating depth through value contrast.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, focusing on the overall structure.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color (red, black, gray, white) using flat, even tones.
step 03
Refine the shapes and edges, paying attention to the overlapping and intersecting forms.
step 04
Add details like the facial features, hand details, and the background elements.
step 05
Mix slightly lighter and darker values of each color to create subtle shading and depth.
step 06
Add the thin lines and details with a fine brush.
step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.

color palette

primary · red · black · gray · white

secondary · blue · ivory

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Achieve the ivory color by adding a touch of yellow to white. The blue is a muted tone, so mix with a touch of black or gray.

techniques

·color blocking
·geometric abstraction
·value shading
·hard-edge painting
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the overall geometric structure.
→Using colors that are too vibrant or saturated, which can detract from the subtle color harmony.
→Neglecting the importance of accurate proportions and relationships between the shapes.
→Not paying attention to the subtle value changes that create depth and form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas
·Acrylic or oil paints (red, black, gray, white, blue)
·Set of flat brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Ruler
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Painting medium (for oil paints)
·Easel
·Varnish

Use good quality paints to achieve the best color saturation and longevity. A smooth canvas surface will make it easier to achieve clean, crisp edges.

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