plate no. 8949
Guitar and Pomegranates by a Window
Louis Marcoussis, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand cubist abstraction and how to break down objects into geometric forms. It also provides practice in color blocking and creating visual texture through varied brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and largest shapes.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the guitar, pomegranates, and other objects with more precise lines and colors.
- step 04
Add details like the guitar strings, dots on the pomegranates, and patterns on the curtain.
- step 05
Create texture by varying the direction and pressure of your brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the colors and shapes, adjusting the values to create contrast and depth.
- step 07
Add the signature in the bottom right corner.
- step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer for protection.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black
secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · sap green
Mix white with primary colors to create lighter tints. Use burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to create darker shades and neutrals. Mix cadmium red light and titanium white to create the pinks in the pomegranates.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the abstract quality.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy palette.
- →Not paying attention to the value contrasts, which can flatten the image.
- →Ignoring the texture and creating a flat, lifeless painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round and flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
- ·Rags
optional
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Use good quality paints to achieve vibrant colors. A medium can be used to adjust the consistency and drying time of the paints.
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