plate no. 9389

Zealand Farmer's Wives

Henri Le Fauconnier, 1914

oilCubismgenre paintingfiguresbuildingwindowclothingrural scene

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.

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 and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the building.
step 02
Block in the main color areas using thinned paint, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes of the figures and the building, paying attention to the planes and angles.
step 04
Mix and apply the local colors for the skin tones, clothing, and architectural elements.
step 05
Add details such as the window, facial features, and clothing details, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the background, suggesting depth and atmosphere with subtle color variations.
step 07
Refine the edges and contours of the shapes, creating a sense of form and volume.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the contrast and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · cadmium red

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and sap green sparingly to add subtle color variations to the clothing and background. Add cadmium red to create the red tomato.

techniques

·Blocking in
·Simplifying forms
·Visible brushstrokes
·Limited palette
·Geometric abstraction

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Losing the overall composition
→Using too many colors
→Ignoring the geometric structure of the forms

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (burnt sienna, raw umber, titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, sap green, cadmium red)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags