plate no. 8531

Hlava dívky

Josef Capek, 1917

oilCubismportraitportraitfigurecubismheadhatflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting helps develop skills in geometric abstraction and understanding value relationships within a limited color palette. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes of the head, hat, and background.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a dark blue or black.
step 03
Mix a lighter blue for the face and hat, and apply it to the corresponding areas.
step 04
Create a range of blue values by adding white or black to the base blue color.
step 05
Carefully blend the different values to create smooth transitions between the planes.
step 06
Add details like the eye, the wavy line of the neck, and the scalloped edge of the clothing.
step 07
Paint the small white flowers on the hat, paying attention to their placement and shape.
step 08
Refine the edges and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Black

secondary · Light gray

Mix different shades of blue by adding white for lighter tones and black for darker tones. Use a touch of white to create a light gray for highlights.

techniques