plate no. 1071
The acrobats
Max Beckmann, 1939
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition with multiple figures, and expressive use of color and brushwork to convey mood and emotion.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Divide the canvas into three sections, mirroring the composition.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the main figures and their positions in each section.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall color scheme of each section.
- step 04
Develop the figures further, refining their shapes and adding details to their costumes.
- step 05
Add shadows and highlights to create depth and volume.
- step 06
Use bold brushstrokes to define the forms and add texture.
- step 07
Pay attention to the relationships between the figures and the background.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · ochre · blue · red · white
secondary · green · yellow · brown · black
Mix various shades of ochre and brown for skin tones. Create blues by mixing ultramarine with white. Achieve greens by blending blues and yellows.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·blocking in color
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in details too early
- →Not establishing a strong composition
- →Using colors that are too clean and bright
- →Ignoring the relationships between figures
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
- ·rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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