plate no. 3874

Paysage à Céret

Auguste Herbin, 1913

oilCubismlandscapelandscapetreesbuildingshillsskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to define planes and create depth. It also provides practice in applying visible brushstrokes to build texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the landscape, focusing on the geometric forms.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, hills, buildings, and trees using simplified color patches.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes and adding details to the buildings and trees with slightly darker or lighter tones of the base colors.
step 04
Use short, visible brushstrokes to create texture and define the edges of the geometric forms.
step 05
Add the black outlines and details to further define the shapes and add contrast.
step 06
Mix and apply the colors for the foreground elements, paying attention to their geometric structure.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and form.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · green · brown · red · ochre

secondary · blue · gray · black · white

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create various shades of brown by mixing reds, yellows, and blues. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·geometric abstraction
·broken color
·visible brushstrokes
·color blocking
·planar construction

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the geometric structure.
→Blending colors too much and losing the distinct color patches.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast in defining form.
→Failing to capture the overall mood and atmosphere of the landscape.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (green, brown, red, ochre, blue, gray, black, white)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Rags or paper towels

optional

·Painting medium (linseed oil or acrylic medium)
·Easel
·Apron

Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Acrylics are beginner-friendly, while oils offer richer color and blending capabilities.

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