plate no. 1068
Untitled
Jean Helion, 1943
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes and use value to create depth and dimension. It also provides practice in color mixing and applying paint in clean, defined areas.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and clothing.
- step 02
Divide the face and clothing into distinct planes, simplifying the forms.
- step 03
Mix the background color (a muted blue-gray) and apply it evenly.
- step 04
Mix the skin tones, creating a light and shadow value.
- step 05
Paint the hat using gray tones, defining the brim and crown.
- step 06
Paint the suit and tie, using black, gray, and red.
- step 07
Outline the shapes with thin black lines to define the edges.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · gray · black · white · blue
secondary · red · flesh tones
Mix grays by combining black and white, and adjust the blue by adding a touch of black or white. Flesh tones can be achieved by mixing white, red, and a touch of yellow or brown.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·geometric simplification
- ·value shading
- ·outlining
common pitfalls
- →over-blending colors
- →making the shapes too complex
- →inconsistent line weight
- →uneven color application
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·black fine liner
- ·pencil
optional
- ·medium (for oil paints)
- ·easel
- ·ruler
Use a smooth canvas for easier application of flat colors. Acrylics are faster drying, while oils allow for more blending.
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