plate no. 1444
Motorrider
Sandor Bortnyik, 1928
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding subtle value gradations to create depth. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve muted and harmonious tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, using a light wash.
- step 03
Begin to define the shapes with darker values, paying attention to the light source.
- step 04
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each shape to create form.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures and motorcycle, maintaining the simplified style.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality.
- step 07
Check the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
- step 08
Add final details and touch-ups.
color palette
primary · gray · purple · brown · green
secondary · yellow · red · white
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or gray. Use thin glazes to build up color depth.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·value gradation
- ·color mixing
- ·glazing
- ·simplified forms
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the light source.
- →Losing the overall composition.
- →Not simplifying enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·color wheel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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