plate no. 2983
Three Symbols
Eileen Agar, 1930
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and overlapping elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main elements: the bridge, the abstract figure, and the floating architectural form.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, bridge, and ground, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Begin defining the shapes of the abstract figure with flat, simplified colors.
- step 04
Add details to the bridge structure, using a smaller brush for the intricate linework.
- step 05
Develop the atmospheric perspective by layering lighter, cooler colors in the distance.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the floating architectural form, paying attention to its subtle shading.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension throughout the painting.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · burnt sienna · raw umber
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · sap green · lavender
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. The sky is created by layering blues and whites with touches of pink and lavender.
techniques
- ·flat color blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·geometric simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Not paying attention to the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brushes (#4, #8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleanup)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints will dry faster and are easier to clean up, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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