plate no. 8560
Harlequin
Gino Severini, 1965
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the simplification of form and the use of geometric shapes to represent a subject. It also provides practice in color blocking and creating patterns.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the harlequin figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the harlequin's costume, focusing on the geometric patterns.
- step 04
Add details such as the accordion, facial features, and smaller patterns.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values to match the original painting.
- step 06
Add the small details like the gold accents and the dots.
- step 07
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · red · black · white · grey
secondary · blue · tan · gold · pink
Mix various shades of grey by combining black and white. Achieve the tan color by mixing yellow, brown, and white. Create pink by mixing red and white.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·pattern creation
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Not paying attention to the color relationships.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Losing the overall composition in the details.
materials
surface · canvas board
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas board
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
Use a variety of brush sizes to create different textures and details. Consider using a palette knife for applying thicker layers of paint.
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