plate no. 6834
Still life (with clarinet)
Georges Braque, 1927
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the overlapping planes.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for each object, ignoring details for now.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and add subtle variations in color within each plane.
- step 04
Introduce the darker tones to create depth and define the edges of the shapes.
- step 05
Add details like the grapes, the clarinet, and the patterns on the tablecloth.
- step 06
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to match the original painting.
- step 07
Add the playing card details.
- step 08
Finalize the background and any remaining details.
color palette
primary · ochre · gray · green · brown
secondary · yellow · black · white · red
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or gray. Use thin glazes to build up color depth.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·overlapping planes
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the overall composition.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ochre oil paint
- ·gray oil paint
- ·green oil paint
- ·brown oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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