plate no. 7450

Two friends

Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, 1959

oilCubismgenre paintingfigurestablefoliageinteriorcafestill life

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to define planes and create depth. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a scene through simplified representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
step 02
Block in the main color areas, using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Begin to define the shapes with darker and lighter values, creating planes.
step 04
Add details to the figures and objects, using short, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the background foliage with a variety of greens and browns.
step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, adjusting the colors and values as needed.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · sap green · cadmium red · titanium white

Mix various shades of blue with white for the figures. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the warm tones, and mix greens with blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques