plate no. 3746

Mladá žena

Josef Capek, 1915

oilCubismportraitportraitfigurewomangeometric shapeshalohair

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic geometric shapes and understanding how to use light and shadow to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes: a triangle for the body, an oval for the head, and the shapes for the hair.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of brown, allowing for variations in tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors: red-brown for the lower body and hair, white for the face and upper body.
step 04
Add the halo effect around the head using yellow, blending it softly into the background.
step 05
Define the shadows on the face and body with darker shades of red and brown.
step 06
Add details like the eyes and mouth with precise, clean lines.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of form and depth.
step 08
Add the small details to the hair.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · raw umber · cadmium red light

Mix burnt sienna and white for the skin tones, adding a touch of red for warmth. Use yellow ochre and white for the halo, blending it with a touch of brown for the background.

techniques