plate no. 2889

Etude e 195

Jean Helion, 1939

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresnewspaperstreetbicyclehatssuits

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. Students will also learn to create depth using color temperature and value.

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 and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the largest shapes.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures and objects, paying attention to the angles and lines.
step 04
Add details such as the newspaper, hat, and umbrella.
step 05
Introduce subtle variations in color and value to create depth and interest.
step 06
Define edges and add highlights to create contrast.
step 07
Add visible brushstrokes to enhance the texture and expressive quality.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of blue by adding white or burnt umber to the ultramarine blue. Create grays by mixing burnt umber and white. Use small amounts of red and yellow to create the flesh tones.

techniques

·blocking in
·geometric abstraction
·limited palette
·visible brushstrokes
·color temperature

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
→Using too many colors and losing the cohesive feel.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
→Blending colors too much and losing the texture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·ultramarine blue oil paint
·burnt umber oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·cadmium red light oil paint
·yellow ochre oil paint
·round brushes (various sizes)
·palette

optional

·palette knife
·linseed oil
·painting medium

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette of oil paints to simplify the color mixing process.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein