plate no. 6692
Torturm II
Lyonel Feininger, 1925
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric abstraction and how to represent form using simplified shapes and color planes. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and their placement on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and edges of the geometric forms.
- step 04
Begin to add subtle variations in color and tone within each shape.
- step 05
Pay attention to the transitions between color planes, softening edges where needed.
- step 06
Add the figure in the foreground, keeping it simple and stylized.
- step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to color or value.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and form.
color palette
primary · ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white
Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing primary colors with white and small amounts of secondary colors. Use glazes to build up depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·glazing
- ·soft edge blending
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the sense of abstraction.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not blending them sufficiently.
- →Ignoring the value structure and creating a flat, lifeless painting.
- →Making the edges too sharp and defined, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 16x20
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·color wheel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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