plate no. 6673
Grief. Head. Boquilha
Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, 1914
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes and use color to define planes and create depth. It also provides practice in using visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy to a painting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and background.
- step 02
Block in the darkest values with a mix of black and burnt umber.
- step 03
Begin adding the lighter green and yellow tones to define the planes of the face.
- step 04
Mix various shades of green and blue for the background, applying them with short, visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add the details of the bow tie and pipe using white and gray tones.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and values, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · black · green · yellow · white
secondary · blue · burnt umber · gray
Mix greens by combining yellow and blue, and create grays by mixing black and white. Use burnt umber to darken the black and add warmth to shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·color blocking
- ·planar analysis
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, which will lose the distinct shapes.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough, resulting in a cluttered composition.
- →Ignoring the value contrasts, which will flatten the image.
- →Using too many colors, which will create a muddy effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·black paint
- ·green paint
- ·yellow paint
- ·white paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 12x16 or 16x20) for this project. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils will allow for more blending time.
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