plate no. 4185

The Black Tray

Man Ray, 1914

oil, canvasCubismstill lifestill lifevasestrayceramicsbambootabletop

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also provides practice in capturing different textures with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the objects on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of blue and grey.
step 03
Establish the dark tones of the black tray and the tabletop.
step 04
Paint the large grey vase, paying attention to the subtle variations in value.
step 05
Add the details of the blue and white ceramics, simplifying the patterns.
step 06
Paint the bamboo stalk, using darker tones for the shadows and lighter tones for the highlights.
step 07
Add the red details on the tray and any other small details.
step 08
Refine the edges and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of grey by combining white, black, and a touch of blue or umber. Create the blue tones by mixing ultramarine with white. Use yellow ochre and raw umber for the tabletop.

techniques