plate no. 0202
Landscape animated 1st study
Fernand Leger, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and geometric abstraction. It also provides practice in color blocking and creating a sense of depth with limited shading.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, buildings, ground.
- step 03
Define the figure with simple geometric shapes and light gray tones.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and roof lines.
- step 05
Paint the trees and vegetation using simplified forms and color variations.
- step 06
Refine the edges of shapes to create a sense of depth and form.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
- step 08
Review and adjust colors and shapes to match the original painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · sap green · black
Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black and burnt umber. Achieve green tones by mixing blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·simplified shading
- ·hard-edge painting
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and forms.
- →Using too many colors and losing the simplified palette.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure and buildings.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are easier to clean up, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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