plate no. 4298

Denise com carneiro branco

Candido Portinari, 1961

oilCubismportraitfigureportraitchildtoygeometric shapescubism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into geometric shapes and use a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It also provides practice in color mixing and creating subtle value changes within shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and the background geometric pattern.
step 02
Divide the figure into simplified geometric planes, following the style of Cubism.
step 03
Mix the primary colors for the background, focusing on achieving the correct values for each shape.
step 04
Begin painting the background shapes, carefully filling each section with flat color.
step 05
Mix the colors for the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone and value.
step 06
Paint the figure, blending colors slightly at the edges of the geometric planes to soften the transitions.
step 07
Add details to the face and the toy, using small brushstrokes to define the features.
step 08
Refine the edges and values throughout the painting to create a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · red-brown · blue · green · white

secondary · gray · pink · ochre

Mix the red-brown from burnt sienna and a touch of ultramarine blue. Achieve the skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of red-brown, yellow ochre, and blue. Use white to lighten the blues and greens.

techniques