plate no. 6400
Two birds
Corneille, 2002
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing simplified shapes and bold color application. Students will develop skills in creating a flat, graphic style with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the birds and foliage onto the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of red paint.
- step 03
Paint the green ground, ensuring a clean edge against the red background.
- step 04
Fill in the red bird with a flat coat of red paint.
- step 05
Add the dark red stripes to the wings of the red bird.
- step 06
Paint the blue bird, adding the darker blue markings on its wings and body.
- step 07
Paint the yellow foliage shape and add the red dots.
- step 08
Add any final details and outlines to refine the shapes.
color palette
primary · red · blue · green · yellow
secondary · dark red · dark blue
Mix darker shades of red and blue by adding a touch of black or a complementary color. The yellow can be bright straight from the tube.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·simplified shapes
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·outlining
common pitfalls
- →over-blending colors
- →making shapes too detailed
- →using too many colors
- →losing the flatness of the composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·acrylic paints (red, blue, green, yellow, black)
- ·canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·assorted paint brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
- ·water container
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Acrylic paints are recommended for their fast drying time and ease of use. Use inexpensive brushes as the style is not about fine detail.
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