plate no. 5376

The Conquest of the Air

Roger de La Fresnaye, 1913

oil, canvasCubismgenre paintingfigureslandscapeskycloudsbuildingstable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and how to use a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also provides practice in creating depth through overlapping shapes and subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, table, and landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background.
step 03
Define the shapes of the figures and table, using simplified geometric forms.
step 04
Add the details of the buildings and landscape, paying attention to the overlapping shapes.
step 05
Mix and apply the subtle variations in color to create depth and form.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details.
step 07
Add the sun and cloud details.
step 08
Review the composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black

Mix blues and whites for the sky, yellows and browns for the figures and table, and greens for the landscape. Use white to lighten colors and black to darken them. Mix red and white for the pinkish hues.

techniques