plate no. 1669
Pear Compotoir
Fernand Leger, 1923
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the simplification of form and the use of geometric shapes to represent objects. It will also develop skills in color blocking and creating smooth gradients.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the still life.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the objects with clear, crisp lines.
- step 04
Add shading and highlights to create depth and volume.
- step 05
Mix and apply the specific colors for each area, paying attention to subtle variations.
- step 06
Refine the details and edges of the shapes.
- step 07
Add any final touches and corrections.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish if desired.
color palette
primary · red · black · white · yellow
secondary · green · gray · brown
Mix shades of gray by combining black and white. Achieve the yellow by mixing a cadmium yellow hue with white for lighter areas and a touch of brown for shadows. The greens are achieved by mixing yellow and blue.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·smooth blending
- ·hard-edge painting
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Creating muddy or dull colors.
- →Inconsistent line weights.
- →Incorrect proportions of the geometric shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Ruler
- ·Pencil
optional
- ·Medium for blending
- ·Varnish
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylics are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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