plate no. 8216
Human Architecture
Maruja Mallo, 1937
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and limited color palette application. It also provides practice in rendering complex textures like the fishing net with simplified brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric structure of the figure and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with light washes, establishing the overall value structure.
- step 03
Define the facial features and hands with slightly darker tones, paying attention to the simplified planes.
- step 04
Add details to the fishing net using a fine brush, creating the grid pattern.
- step 05
Paint the fish with subtle variations in gray and silver, capturing its texture.
- step 06
Refine the shapes of the boats and add their details.
- step 07
Adjust values and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · light blue · gray · white
secondary · tan · dark gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of blue and tan. Achieve the light blue by diluting blue with white.
techniques
- ·flat washes
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·simplified rendering
- ·grid pattern creation
- ·limited palette application
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Losing the geometric structure.
- →Inconsistent line work for the net.
- →Uneven washes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (light blue, gray, white, tan, dark gray)
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
Using a smooth canvas will help achieve the flat, even washes. Consider using a ruler to ensure straight lines for the fishing net.
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