plate no. 6319
The Reader
Juan Gris, 1926
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and geometric abstraction, as well as how to create a cohesive color scheme with limited hues. It's a good exercise in understanding planes of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the figure's skirt.
- step 03
Define the planes of the face and body with distinct color changes, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Add details to the window and the buildings in the background, simplifying their forms.
- step 05
Paint the still life object in the figure's hands, paying attention to the geometric shapes within it.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, adjusting colors as needed to create a harmonious composition.
- step 07
Add subtle highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the forms.
- step 08
Apply a final glaze if desired to unify the colors and create a smooth finish.
color palette
primary · red ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of red ochre and burnt umber with white to create the skin tones and background. Use ultramarine blue to subtly cool the white for highlights and the sky.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·limited palette
- ·planar analysis
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and forms.
- →Using too many colors and losing the harmony.
- →Not defining the planes of light and shadow clearly.
- →Getting lost in details and losing the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·red ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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