plate no. 1239

Woman and the animals

Marevna (Marie Vorobieff), 1966

oilCubismgenre paintingfigureanimalsgeometric shapesdresscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding how to use color to define planes. It also provides practice in depicting figures and animals in a stylized manner.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, animals, and major geometric shapes.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the figure's cape and dress.
step 03
Define the geometric planes within the figure, animals, and background using slightly different shades of each color.
step 04
Add details to the figure's face, hair, and clothing, paying attention to the simplified forms.
step 05
Paint the animals, focusing on their simplified shapes and the interaction between them.
step 06
Add the colorful ribbons and the staff the figure is holding.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details.
step 08
Varnish the painting for protection and to enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · red · blue · black · white

secondary · green · yellow · brown · skin tones

Mix shades of blue and white for the sky. Create different shades of red for the cape by adding small amounts of black or brown. Mix black and white with touches of blue and purple for the dress.

techniques