plate no. 6686

Couples in Conversation

Oskar Kokoschka, 1917

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)illustrationfigurestreeslandscapepondmountainsfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using bold outlines to define forms. It also encourages experimentation with a limited color palette and 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 main shapes: mountains, pond, trees, and figures.
step 02
Define the outlines of each element with a thin brush and dark color (e.g., black or dark brown).
step 03
Fill in the large areas of color, starting with the background (mountains and sky).
step 04
Paint the trees and foliage using different shades of green, paying attention to the stylized leaf patterns.
step 05
Add the figures with their distinctive clothing colors.
step 06
Paint the pond with wavy lines to represent water, and add the fish.
step 07
Add details like flowers, small trees, and other decorative elements.
step 08
Review the painting and adjust outlines or colors as needed to match the original.

color palette

primary · green · red · yellow · tan

secondary · blue · black · orange

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Create variations by adding white or a touch of brown. Achieve the tan color by mixing yellow, brown, and white.

techniques