plate no. 6485

Deux bouteilles et le coquetier

Le Corbusier, 1939

oilCubismstill lifestill lifebottlesgeometric shapesabstractcubism

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking, geometric abstraction, and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in creating a balanced composition using asymmetrical elements.

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 of the objects and background.
step 02
Divide the canvas into the main color areas as defined by the shapes.
step 03
Begin filling in the largest areas with the dominant colors, working from light to dark.
step 04
Mix and apply the secondary colors, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 05
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the colors as needed to match the original.
step 06
Add the thin black lines that define the shapes.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
step 08
Make any final adjustments to color, value, or composition.

color palette

primary · red · blue · yellow · white

secondary · green · purple · brown · light blue

Mix various shades of blue by adding white or a touch of purple. Create the green by mixing blue and yellow. Achieve muted tones by adding a touch of complementary color.

techniques