plate no. 0548

Spanish Dancers

Natalia Goncharova, 1918

oil, canvasCubismportraitwomenfiguresdresseslaceportraitsflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and understanding how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It will also help in practicing color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes of the figures and their clothing, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values (blacks) and lightest values (whites).
step 03
Mix the skin tones and apply them to the faces and hands, paying attention to the split-tone effect.
step 04
Add the details of the lace and floral patterns, using a fine brush.
step 05
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the values to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Add the background elements, keeping them simple and abstract.
step 07
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber

Mix various shades of white with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt sienna to achieve the different tones of the dresses and lace. Use ivory black straight from the tube for the darkest areas.

techniques