plate no. 2210

Postava

Josef Capek, 1919

oilCubismportraitportraitfigurebuildingshatgeometric shapes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes. It also offers practice in creating a cohesive color scheme with limited hues.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes of the figure and buildings, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figure.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes and adding details, such as the hat and facial features.
step 04
Add the darker shadows to define the forms and create depth.
step 05
Introduce the lighter blue highlights to add contrast and visual interest.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes, ensuring clean lines and clear definition.
step 07
Add the small details like the light reflections in the eyes.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · black

secondary · pink · white

Mix burnt sienna with black to create the darker browns. Mix ultramarine blue with white to achieve the lighter blues. Use white and a touch of sienna to create the pink background.

techniques

·color blocking
·geometric abstraction
·hard-edge painting
·limited palette
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the geometric simplicity.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy or incoherent palette.
→Not paying attention to the value contrasts, resulting in a flat image.
→Failing to maintain clean, crisp edges between the color blocks.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas
·Acrylic or oil paints (burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, black, white, pink)
·Flat brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Ruler
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Medium (for oil paints)
·Easel
·Varnish

Using a palette knife can help create the crisp edges and flat planes characteristic of the style. Consider using a medium to extend the drying time of oil paints for easier blending.

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