plate no. 6834
Still life (with clarinet)
Georges Braque, 1927
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand cubist principles of representing objects from multiple viewpoints and develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color relationships and creating depth through overlapping planes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
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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