plate no. 0128
Still Life with Numerous Objects
Le Corbusier, 1923
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and abstracting forms into geometric shapes. It will also develop skills in color mixing and creating a harmonious color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and their placement on the canvas.
- step 02
Divide the canvas into the main color areas, focusing on the abstract shapes rather than recognizable objects.
- step 03
Mix the primary colors needed for the background and larger shapes.
- step 04
Apply the base colors, keeping the brushstrokes smooth and even.
- step 05
Mix the secondary and accent colors, adjusting for subtle variations in tone.
- step 06
Add details and refine the edges of the shapes.
- step 07
Check the overall balance of the composition and adjust colors as needed.
- step 08
Allow to dry and apply a varnish for protection.
color palette
primary · light blue · terracotta · beige · white
secondary · green · yellow · brown · gray
Mix the terracotta by combining red, yellow, and a touch of brown. Create various shades of beige by mixing white with small amounts of brown, yellow, and red. Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow and blue with a touch of brown or gray.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·flat color application
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the abstract quality.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or vibrant.
- →Not paying attention to the relationships between the colors.
- →Creating hard edges that are too defined.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (light blue, terracotta, beige, white, green, yellow, brown, gray)
- ·Set of flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette for mixing paints
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags or paper towels
- ·Easel (optional)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retarder medium
Using a limited palette will help to create a more cohesive and harmonious painting. Consider using a matte medium to reduce the sheen of the paint.
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