plate no. 3922

Portrait of Midkhad Refatov

Robert Falk, 1915

oilCubismportraitportraitfigurechairbuildingcityscapeclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and how to use color to define planes and create depth. It also introduces the concept of cubist portraiture and abstraction.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background buildings.
step 02
Divide the composition into larger geometric planes, simplifying the forms.
step 03
Block in the main colors for each plane, starting with the darkest values.
step 04
Gradually build up the colors, adding lighter tones and subtle variations within each plane.
step 05
Define the edges of the planes with slightly darker or lighter values to create separation.
step 06
Add details to the face and clothing, focusing on the geometric shapes and planes.
step 07
Refine the background buildings and foliage, maintaining the simplified cubist style.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensional effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · cadmium red

Mix various shades of gray and blue-gray by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the chair and buildings. Mix viridian green with blue and umber for the foliage.

techniques

·geometric simplification
·planar analysis
·color blocking
·dry brush blending
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, losing the distinct planes.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Not simplifying the forms enough.
→Using too many colors, creating a muddy effect.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium

optional

·easel
·painting rags
·turpentine or mineral spirits (for oil paints)
·retarder medium (for acrylics)

Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and brushwork visibility. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.

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