plate no. 2007

Zunoqua of the Cat Village

Emily Carr, 1931

oilCubismlandscapetotemforestbuildingcatsvillagefolklore

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to create a sense of movement with brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the totem, building, and landscape, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main colors for the sky, forest, totem, building, and ground using thin washes.
step 03
Begin adding darker values to create shadows and define forms, especially on the totem and building.
step 04
Layer greens and yellows to create the flowing, grassy texture of the landscape, using visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the totem, including its facial features and any decorative elements.
step 06
Paint the building, focusing on its simple geometric shapes and adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Carefully add the cat eyes, varying their size and placement to create a sense of depth and mystery.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and dynamic image.

color palette

primary · dark green · brown · yellow ochre · cream

secondary · black · white · dark blue

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, using varying ratios to achieve different shades. Create browns by mixing reds, yellows, and blues. Achieve lighter tones by adding white to the primary colors.

techniques