plate no. 1225

Fishing boats

Georges Braque, 1909

oil, canvasCubismlandscapeboatsbuildingswaterlandscapecubism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand the deconstruction of form and the use of a limited palette to create a unified composition. Students will also learn to represent three-dimensional objects using geometric shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes representing the boats and buildings, focusing on their overlapping and intersecting planes.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using a limited palette of browns, grays, and greens.
step 03
Develop the individual planes by adding subtle variations in tone and color.
step 04
Define the edges of the shapes with darker values to create contrast and separation.
step 05
Add texture to the surfaces using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details of the boats and buildings, paying attention to the way light interacts with the forms.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition to ensure a balanced and harmonious image.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · sap green · payne's gray

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Add small amounts of sap green or payne's gray to create cooler tones.

techniques