plate no. 1750

Jug and Card

Louis Marcoussis, 1919

oilCubismstill lifestill lifejugcardtableabstractgeometric shapes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting helps students understand simplification of form and how to create depth using overlapping shapes and limited color palette. It also provides practice in creating texture using visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and their placement on the canvas, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background.
step 03
Define the shapes of the jug and card with their respective colors, paying attention to the overlapping areas.
step 04
Add the details like the spade symbol on the card and the handle of the jug.
step 05
Build up texture by layering paint with visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the colors as needed.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth.
step 08
Varnish the painting once it is completely dry.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna · black

secondary · gray · red-brown · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining white and black. Create the red-brown by mixing burnt sienna with a touch of black. The blue is lightened with white.

techniques