plate no. 5519
La Femme à l'Éventail (Woman with Fan)
Jean Metzinger, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into simpler geometric shapes and how to use color and value to create a sense of depth and dimension within a cubist style.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes and lines that define the composition, focusing on the overall structure rather than details.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figure, and hat, using simplified, flat tones.
- step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and add subtle variations in value to create form and dimension within each plane.
- step 04
Introduce the accent colors, such as the red in the fan and tie, to add visual interest and contrast.
- step 05
Carefully define the edges of the shapes, paying attention to how they intersect and overlap.
- step 06
Add details like the facial features and the pattern on the background, keeping them simplified and geometric.
- step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to color, value, or shape.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · green · brown · gray · yellow
secondary · red · blue · orange
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and browns by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create variations in value.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·planar analysis
- ·color blocking
- ·value gradation
- ·edge control
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the overall geometric structure.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
- →Failing to create a clear sense of depth and dimension within the composition.
- →Ignoring the importance of edge control in defining the shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round and flat brushes
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Ruler
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are faster drying and easier to clean up, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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