plate no. 8838
Les deux amies
André Lhote, 1925
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding color relationships within a limited palette. It also encourages exploration of visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on overall tones.
- step 03
Define the light and shadow areas to create form and volume.
- step 04
Add details to the faces, clothing, and accessories, using smaller brushstrokes.
- step 05
Refine the edges and shapes, paying attention to the relationships between different elements.
- step 06
Introduce subtle color variations and highlights to create depth and interest.
- step 07
Add visible brushstrokes to enhance the texture and form of the painting.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · yellow ochre
Mix burnt sienna and raw umber with white for the skin tones. Use cadmium red mixed with burnt sienna and white for the dresses. Mix ultramarine blue with white for the bag.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·simplifying forms
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall structure.
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Ignoring the light and shadow areas and creating a flat image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brushes (#4, #8)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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