plate no. 2178
K4 Quadrado Azul
Eduardo Viana, 1916
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and simplification of forms in a cubist style. It also provides practice in capturing highlights and shadows on curved surfaces using a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the objects, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Divide the objects into distinct planes and shapes, simplifying their forms into geometric elements.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values and working towards the lighter ones.
- step 04
Mix and apply the primary colors for each shape, paying attention to the subtle variations in hue and value.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, using a limited range of values.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
- step 07
Add the text and the blue square in the background.
- step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.
color palette
primary · red · green · yellow · black
secondary · white · blue · brown · pink
Achieve the various shades of green by mixing yellow and blue with small amounts of black or brown. Create the pink hues by mixing red and white.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric simplification
- ·limited palette
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes
- →using too many colors
- →failing to establish a clear value structure
- →not simplifying the forms enough
- →inaccurate proportions
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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