plate no. 5668

Senecio

Paul Klee, 1922

oil, canvasCubismportraitportraitfacegeometric shapesabstracteyeshead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing, layering, and the use of geometric shapes to create an abstract portrait. It also encourages experimentation with texture and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: a circle for the head, and geometric shapes for the facial features.
step 02
Apply a base layer of orange and red for the background, allowing for variations in tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color within the face: yellow, white, pink, and red.
step 04
Mix and apply the subtle variations of color within each section, building up layers.
step 05
Add the details of the eyes, eyebrow, and mouth using darker shades of red and black.
step 06
Create texture by using visible brushstrokes and varying the paint application.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and blend colors where necessary.
step 08
Add the checkered pattern on the neck area.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · white · orange

secondary · pink · black · blue

Mix pink by combining red and white. Achieve the various orange tones by mixing red and yellow in different ratios. Use white to lighten the primary colors and create subtle variations.

techniques

·color blocking
·dry brushing
·layering
·geometric abstraction
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, which can flatten the image.
→Making the geometric shapes too precise and losing the organic feel.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough, resulting in a monotonous texture.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, which can make the painting look flat.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas
·Acrylic or oil paints (red, yellow, white, orange, black, blue)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Rags
·Easel

optional

·Medium (for oil paints)
·Varnish

Use a canvas with a slightly rough texture to help replicate the original's brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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