plate no. 1215

Table Overlooking the Sea

Juan Gris, 1925

oil, canvasCubismstill lifestill lifeguitarfruittablelandscapepalette

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting helps students understand the principles of cubism, including geometric abstraction and multiple perspectives. Students will also practice color mixing to achieve the muted tones and subtle variations in the painting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and composition of the objects and landscape.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the shapes and edges of the objects, paying attention to the cubist fragmentation.
step 04
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each shape to create depth and form.
step 05
Add details such as the guitar strings, fruit, and brushstrokes on the palette.
step 06
Define the shadows and highlights to enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to match the original painting.
step 08
Add the artist's signature.

color palette

primary · red ochre · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian · cadmium red light · ivory black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing primary colors with white and small amounts of complementary colors. Use raw umber and red ochre to create the warm browns and reds of the table and guitar.

techniques