plate no. 6031

The Factory Chimney, Meulan Landscape

Roger de La Fresnaye, 1912

oil, canvasCubismlandscapelandscapefactorybuildingsfieldstreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes and use color to define planes and create depth. It also provides practice in applying bold brushstrokes to build texture and form.

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 composition, focusing on the geometric forms of the landscape.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and fields.
step 03
Add the darker tones for the trees and shadows, defining the shapes further.
step 04
Paint the buildings and the factory chimney, paying attention to their geometric structure.
step 05
Refine the shapes and colors, adding details and texture with visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the road and the clouds.
step 07
Adjust the overall balance of color and value.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · viridian green · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by blending viridian with yellow ochre or raw sienna. Achieve darker tones by mixing burnt umber with ultramarine blue. Vary the yellows by adding small amounts of red or green.

techniques