plate no. 8295

Still LIfe in front of the Window

Louis Marcoussis, 1920

oilCubismstill lifestill lifeguitarfruitwindowsunsettable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to create depth and atmosphere. It's a good exercise in abstracting reality and exploring cubist principles.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the relationships between objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background (sunset and window).
step 03
Define the shapes of the guitar and fruit with simplified geometric forms.
step 04
Add details to the guitar, such as the strings and sound hole.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone.
step 06
Add the details of the fruit and the table.
step 07
Outline key shapes with darker colors to emphasize the cubist style.
step 08
Review and adjust the painting, ensuring a balance between abstraction and representation.

color palette

primary · ochre · red · green · gray

secondary · blue · black · white · orange

Mix ochre with white for the guitar body, red and white for the sunset, and various shades of green for the fruit. Use black and white to create the grays for the window frame.

techniques