plate no. 1756

Leisures on red bottom

Fernand Leger, 1949

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintingfiguresbicycleslandscapeskyplantsclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using bold outlines to define shapes. It also provides practice in mixing and applying a limited color palette with a focus on flat, unblended areas of color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of figures and bicycles.
step 02
Outline all the major forms with a dark color (e.g., black or dark brown).
step 03
Begin filling in the large areas of color, starting with the background sky.
step 04
Add the primary colors to the figures' clothing and skin tones.
step 05
Mix and apply secondary colors to create depth and variation.
step 06
Paint the details of the bicycles, including the spokes and gears.
step 07
Add the plants and other decorative elements.
step 08
Refine the outlines and add any final details.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · blue · white

secondary · green · orange · brown

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve lighter skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of red, yellow, and brown. Vary the blues in the sky by adding white or a touch of purple.

techniques