plate no. 8867

Homme dans la ville

Leopold Survage, 1917

oilCubismstill lifestill lifeabstractfiguretablevaseflowers

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding color relationships within a limited palette. Students will learn to create depth and form through subtle value changes and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and composition of the painting, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background and largest shapes.
step 03
Gradually build up the color intensity and value contrasts, layering paint to create depth and form.
step 04
Refine the edges of the shapes, paying attention to the transitions between colors and values.
step 05
Add details such as the flowers and the figure in the background, keeping them simple and geometric.
step 06
Adjust the overall color balance and value range to match the original painting.
step 07
Add the frame as the final step.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish.

color palette

primary · ochre · burnt umber · pink · teal

secondary · white · black · purple · orange

Mix ochre with burnt umber and white to achieve the various browns and tans. Use white and a touch of red to create the pink hues. Mix teal from blue and green.

techniques

·geometric abstraction
·color blocking
·value layering
·limited palette
·hard edge painting

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes; keep them simple and geometric.
→Using too many colors; stick to the limited palette.
→Ignoring the value contrasts; pay attention to the light and shadow.
→Losing the overall composition; constantly check your proportions and placement.