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home·artworks·Nature morte
Nature morte by Louis Marcoussis

plate no. 6324

Nature morte

Louis Marcoussis, 1926

oilCubismstill lifestill lifebottleguitartablegeometric shapes
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand the principles of cubism, including the deconstruction and reassembly of objects into geometric forms. It also provides practice in color blocking and creating depth through overlapping shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the bottle, guitar, and table.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the objects.

  3. step 03

    Refine the shapes and add details, such as the guitar strings and the design on the bottle.

  4. step 04

    Create depth by layering shapes and using subtle variations in color.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensional effect.

  6. step 06

    Define the edges of the shapes with clean lines.

  7. step 07

    Pay attention to the overall balance and harmony of the composition.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and touch-ups.

color palette

primary · black · white · burnt sienna · sky blue

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · orange

Mix shades of brown by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and a touch of black or white. Create variations in the blue by adding small amounts of white or black.

techniques

  • ·color blocking
  • ·geometric abstraction
  • ·layering
  • ·hard-edge painting
  • ·dry brushing

common pitfalls

  • →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the overall composition.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.
  • →Failing to create enough contrast between the shapes.
  • →Not paying attention to the balance and harmony of the composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·flat brushes (various sizes)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·ruler
  • ·pencil

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel

Use a canvas with a smooth surface for best results. Acrylic paints are a good option for beginners, as they are easy to clean up and dry quickly.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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