plate no. 1055

The New Eve

Sandor Bortnyik, 1924

oilCubismportraitfigurebuildingsmannequingeometric shapesshadowscityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric abstraction and how to represent form using simplified shapes and strong value contrasts. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through overlapping planes and cast shadows.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes and their arrangement, focusing on the composition's structure.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
step 03
Define the shapes of the figures and mannequin, paying attention to their proportions and angles.
step 04
Add the shadows and highlights to create depth and volume.
step 05
Refine the details of the buildings and other elements.
step 06
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each shape.
step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

secondary · black · red oxide · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, titanium white, and small amounts of blue or yellow. Use red oxide to create the reddish-brown of the platform. Achieve the green by mixing yellow and blue.

techniques