plate no. 7872

The Fourteenth of July

Roger de La Fresnaye, 1914

oil, canvasCubismgenre paintingfiguresflagsarchitectureskyoutdoortable

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. Students will also learn to create depth through overlapping shapes and subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, focusing on the placement of the figures and main objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working towards the foreground.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures and objects, paying attention to the angles and proportions.
step 04
Add details such as the flags, facial features, and shadows.
step 05
Mix and apply subtle color variations within each shape to create depth and interest.
step 06
Define the edges of the shapes with slightly darker or lighter tones.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.
step 08
Make any final adjustments to the colors, shapes, and details.

color palette

primary · yellow · pink · blue · white

secondary · red · green · gray

Mix pink by combining red and white. Achieve various shades of gray by mixing black and white. Create muted greens by mixing yellow, blue, and a touch of brown.

techniques