plate no. 5033
The Beginning of Life
Frantisek Kupka, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand layering techniques to create depth and luminosity, and how to use a limited palette to create a cohesive mood.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, lily pads, and the two overlapping circles.
- step 02
Establish the dark background using a mix of browns and blacks, leaving space for the light emanating from the lotus.
- step 03
Block in the general shapes of the lily pads with muted greens and blues, varying the tones to suggest depth.
- step 04
Begin layering the yellow and white tones to create the glowing effect of the lotus and the circle, focusing on the light source.
- step 05
Paint the embryo shape within the upper circle using white, adding subtle shading for form.
- step 06
Define the edges of the circles with a soft blue halo, blending it into the background.
- step 07
Add details to the lily pads, such as veins and subtle reflections in the water.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors to achieve the desired atmospheric effect.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cerulean blue · sap green
Mix yellow ochre and white for the lotus glow. Use burnt umber with a touch of black for the dark background. Muted greens are achieved by mixing sap green with burnt umber and white.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·soft blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details on the lily pads
- →Making the circles too perfect and losing the organic feel
- →Not creating enough contrast between the light and dark areas
- →Using colors that are too saturated
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., light brown) to establish a base color.
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