
plate no. 7352
Piet Mondrian, 1912
Recreating this painting will help students understand the fundamentals of cubist abstraction and practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes. It also provides practice with a limited color palette and creating subtle tonal variations.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the ginger pot and other objects.
Divide the canvas into a grid of rectangles and squares, following the underlying structure of the painting.
Block in the main color areas: the green of the ginger pot, the yellows of the boxes, and the grays of the background.
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the subtle tonal variations within each area.
Add the dark lines that define the edges of the shapes, using a thin brush.
Create highlights and shadows to give the objects a sense of depth.
Check the overall balance and composition, making any necessary adjustments.
Let dry and add a varnish if desired.
color palette
primary · pale green · gray · yellow ochre · white
secondary · brown · pink
Mix the pale green by combining white with a touch of green and blue. Achieve the various grays by mixing white with small amounts of black, brown, and blue. Use yellow ochre mixed with white and brown for the boxes.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate the application of paint in flat, even layers. Acrylics are easier for beginners, while oils allow for more subtle blending.
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