plate no. 1082

Woman With Basket

Juan Gris, 1927

oil, canvasCubismportraitfigurebasketfruitwindowportraitdrapery

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. Students can also learn about creating depth through value changes and overlapping shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the figure's skin tones.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create contrast.
step 04
Paint the basket, paying attention to the texture and woven pattern.
step 05
Add the fruit and leaves, using a slightly brighter palette.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges, adding details where necessary.
step 07
Outline the shapes with thin black lines to emphasize the geometric structure.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · titanium white · payne's gray

secondary · sap green · cadmium orange

Mix different shades of brown by combining burnt sienna with Payne's gray and white. Create skin tones by mixing burnt sienna, white, and a touch of cadmium orange. Achieve the background color by mixing Payne's gray with white.

techniques