plate no. 0648
Still Life with Window
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand cubist principles of representing multiple viewpoints and practice simplified forms with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in color mixing and creating a sense of depth through overlapping shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the table, window, and objects.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background sky and the dominant colors of the table and objects.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the objects, using simplified geometric forms and distinct color planes.
- step 04
Add details such as the fish, book, and bottle, paying attention to the overlapping shapes and angles.
- step 05
Introduce highlights and shadows to create depth and volume, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges and outlines of the shapes, using darker colors to define the forms.
- step 07
Add final touches and details to the painting, such as the texture of the table and the details of the window.
- step 08
Step back and evaluate the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · viridian green · ivory black · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of black. Create the sky blue by mixing cerulean blue with white, and adjust the shade with a touch of black or yellow. The red fish is achieved with cadmium red and a touch of black for shadows.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·broken color
- ·simplified forms
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Blending colors too much, losing the distinct color planes.
- →Not capturing the essence of the cubist style.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time, but oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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