plate no. 1074
The Clock
Karl Knaths, 1951
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand abstract composition and how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes. It also provides practice in color mixing and layering to achieve the desired tones and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the objects.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the objects with darker and lighter values.
- step 04
Add details such as the clock hands and the edges of the papers.
- step 05
Introduce secondary colors and highlights to create depth and interest.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork to match the original painting's texture.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
- step 08
Let it dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · red · blue · white · black
secondary · orange · green · yellow · purple
Mix various shades of red and blue by adding white or black. Achieve greens by mixing blue and yellow. Create the lavender color for the clock face by mixing red, blue, and white.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overblending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Getting the proportions of the shapes wrong.
- →Not capturing the texture of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to simplify the forms enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits (for oil paints)
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
