plate no. 7205

Dva muži v lese

Josef Capek, 1923

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresforesttreesportraitmen

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for learning simplified figure drawing and how to create depth using color and brushstrokes. Students will practice capturing the essence of a subject with minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the two figures and the surrounding trees, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background with varying shades of green, using loose, visible brushstrokes.
step 03
Paint the figures with their respective colors (blue and brown), simplifying the forms into basic shapes.
step 04
Add highlights and shadows to the figures to create a sense of volume.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the trees and add details to the background, such as lighter areas to suggest sunlight.
step 06
Add small details to the faces, keeping them simple and abstract.
step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.
step 08
Let it dry and add a varnish.

color palette

primary · viridian green · cobalt blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix different shades of green by combining viridian green with white, yellow ochre, or a touch of burnt umber. Create the brown for the second figure by mixing burnt umber with a touch of yellow ochre and white.

techniques

·blocking in
·simplified forms
·visible brushstrokes
·color mixing
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Not paying attention to the overall composition and balance.
→Making the figures too realistic.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 12x16
·round brushes (#4, #8)
·acrylic paints (viridian green, cobalt blue, burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre)
·palette
·palette knife
·water
·rags
·pencil