plate no. 9021
The Swimmers
Albert Gleizes, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into simplified geometric shapes and how to use a limited color palette to create a sense of unity.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main geometric shapes and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values.
- step 03
Gradually build up the lighter values, blending edges where desired.
- step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figures and landscape elements.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Pay attention to the relationships between the different planes and angles.
- step 07
Step back and assess the overall composition, making adjustments as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and touch-ups.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix burnt umber and white for various shades of brown. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light to create warm tones. Add ultramarine blue to darken browns and create cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·limited palette
- ·tonal variation
- ·implied form
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and losing the sense of unity.
- →Ignoring the relationships between the different planes and angles.
- →Not paying attention to the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brushes (#4, #8)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette of oil paints to simplify the color mixing process.
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