plate no. 4878
Sitting nude
Albert Gleizes, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes. It also provides practice in mixing skin tones and creating a sense of depth with limited shading.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and contours of the figure, using geometric forms.
- step 04
Mix and apply skin tones, using a limited palette of earth tones and reds.
- step 05
Add details to the face and hands, using small brushstrokes.
- step 06
Define the background elements, such as the chair and drapery.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Review and adjust the composition as needed.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · sap green
Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create muted grays and browns for shadows.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·limited palette
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Getting lost in the complexity of the figure
- →Using too many colors
- →Ignoring the overall composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Using a toned canvas can help to create a more unified color palette.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
