plate no. 3553
Madame Lumumba
Wifredo Lam, 1938
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the principles of cubism, including the fragmentation of form and the use of geometric shapes to represent a subject. It also provides practice in color mixing and creating a cohesive composition with a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and outlines of the figure, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the background with a diluted wash of light purple/grey.
- step 03
Begin filling in the larger areas of color, starting with the darker tones like the black hair and neck.
- step 04
Mix and apply the various skin tones, using a combination of browns, yellows, and blues.
- step 05
Add the details within the face, such as the eyes, nose, and geometric patterns.
- step 06
Define the shapes of the body and clothing with their respective colors.
- step 07
Refine the edges and add any final details or adjustments.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · black · light blue · light brown · light purple
secondary · yellow · green · white
Mix the skin tones by combining browns, yellows, and a touch of blue. Create the background color by diluting purple with white and water.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the colors and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Failing to accurately represent the geometric shapes.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Not paying attention to the overall composition and balance.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·Gouache paints
- ·Watercolor paper
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Masking tape
Use high-quality gouache paints for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve the desired effects.
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