plate no. 5563

Untitled (boats)

Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, 1913

woodCubismmarinaboatssailswaterharborcubismgeometric

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for subtle variations and how to break down complex scenes into geometric shapes. It also offers practice in creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the boats and the overall composition using a pencil.
step 02
Divide the remaining space into geometric shapes, varying in size and direction.
step 03
Mix the primary colors for the sails, focusing on subtle variations in tone.
step 04
Fill in the geometric shapes with corresponding colors, varying the intensity and hue.
step 05
Use darker shades to outline the shapes, creating definition and structure.
step 06
Add details to the boats, such as masts and rigging, using thin lines.
step 07
Refine the colors and shapes, adjusting the values to create depth.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw umber

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or raw umber to dull the intensity. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm browns and tans.

techniques