plate no. 9607
Young Bathers
Georg Pauli, 1914
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and understanding of light and shadow on the human form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch outlining the basic shapes and composition of the figures and background.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color using simplified geometric forms.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights on the figures.
- step 04
Refine the shapes and edges of the figures, paying attention to the angularity of the forms.
- step 05
Add details to the background, maintaining the geometric style.
- step 06
Mix and apply subtle variations of skin tones to create depth and form.
- step 07
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the contrast and create a sense of depth.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · sap green · purple · yellow ochre
Mix raw umber and white for various skin tones. Use cerulean blue and white for the sky. Mix greens and purples for background elements.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·blocking in
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and losing the geometric abstraction.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Blending colors too much and losing the distinct shapes.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture.
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