plate no. 5568

Moon Woman

Otto Dix, 1919

oilCubismcityscapefigurecityscapebuildingsstarsflowersgeometric shapes

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and understanding how to break down complex forms into geometric shapes. It also encourages experimentation with abstract representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and cityscape, focusing on the geometric forms.
step 02
Establish the background with a base layer of teal and darker blues, blending to create a subtle gradient.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure with light, translucent colors, building up the form with layers.
step 04
Define the buildings and geometric shapes with a mix of light and dark values, using thin lines and patterns.
step 05
Add details such as stars, flowers, and other decorative elements using small brushes.
step 06
Refine the edges and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Introduce secondary colors to add visual interest and complexity.
step 08
Apply final touches and adjustments to balance the composition.