Cubism is one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century, offering a unique and simplified way to view and create art. For beginners, cubism art may look complex at first, but it can actually be quite approachable. Basic cubism art can be created with simple materials and a creative mindset. Its abstract nature allows for flexibility, and learning the basics can help any aspiring artist explore new perspectives and techniques. Whether you’re looking to create your own artwork or understand the foundational elements of this modern style, learning easy cubism art is a great starting point.
Understanding Cubism: A Brief Overview
Origins of Cubism
Cubism emerged in the early 1900s, pioneered by famous artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. They broke away from traditional forms of painting by rejecting perspective and instead focusing on fragmented shapes and geometric abstraction. Instead of showing a single viewpoint, cubism presents objects from multiple angles at once. This new approach revolutionized modern art and opened the door for abstract thinking in visual representation.
Two Phases of Cubism
- Analytical Cubism: This phase involves breaking down objects into small, overlapping planes using a limited color palette. It’s more complex and harder to interpret.
- Synthetic Cubism: This is the easier and more colorful phase where artists use simpler shapes, brighter colors, and often include collage elements.
For beginners, synthetic cubism is a more accessible style to start with, offering flexibility and creative freedom.
Basic Elements of Cubism Art
Geometric Shapes
One of the main characteristics of cubism is the use of geometric shapes. Artists reduce real-life objects to basic forms like squares, triangles, circles, and rectangles. The idea is not to make something look realistic, but to explore how different viewpoints and shapes can form a cohesive image.
Multiple Perspectives
Rather than capturing an object from a single angle, cubism allows artists to incorporate various angles into one artwork. For example, in a cubist portrait, both the front and side of a face might be visible at the same time. This creates a sense of movement and complexity, even in basic cubism art.
Flatness and Depth
Cubism challenges traditional depth by flattening the subject onto a two-dimensional surface. Shadows and highlights are often minimal or stylized. This approach encourages viewers to focus on form and structure instead of illusionistic space.
Materials for Easy Cubism Art
What You Need
- Paper or canvas
- Pencil or pen for sketching
- Colored pencils, markers, or paints
- Ruler (optional, for sharper geometric lines)
- Magazines or newspapers for collage (optional)
Choosing a Subject
Start with something simple like a face, a guitar, a cup, or a fruit bowl. These objects have recognizable shapes that can easily be broken down into geometric forms. Remember, your goal isn’t to make it look realistic but to explore different angles and simplify it.
Steps to Create Basic Cubism Art
Step 1: Sketch the Object
Begin with a light sketch of the object using basic outlines. Don’t worry about details focus on the major shapes and parts of the object. For example, if you’re drawing a guitar, outline the body, neck, and strings.
Step 2: Divide into Shapes
Use a pencil to divide the drawing into multiple sections using lines. These lines can be straight, curved, or angular. Think about slicing the object from different angles. This will help represent multiple perspectives at once, the essence of cubism.
Step 3: Add Details Within Shapes
Within the divided shapes, add simplified features or textures. If it’s a face, add a nose or eye in one area and repeat it slightly differently in another. This overlapping of features emphasizes the cubist style.
Step 4: Add Color or Patterns
Fill each shape with different colors or patterns. Use contrasting tones to emphasize separation and variety. Try using bold outlines or shading certain sections to add interest. In synthetic cubism, feel free to add collage pieces for texture.
Step 5: Final Touches
Review your artwork and make sure each section is distinct but part of a cohesive whole. You can add lines to emphasize edges or erase parts to clean up the design. The final result should look fragmented but balanced.
Tips for Making Easy Cubism Art
- Don’t aim for perfection cubism celebrates imperfection and experimentation.
- Use contrasting colors to make your shapes stand out.
- Start with a pencil sketch and build your colors gradually.
- Limit your color palette if you want a more cohesive look.
- Look at cubist works for inspiration, especially Picasso’s later works or Juan Gris’s compositions.
Learning from Famous Cubist Artists
Pablo Picasso
Picasso is considered the father of cubism. His early works like Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and later pieces like Three Musicians offer great insight into both analytical and synthetic styles. His ability to turn human forms into structured compositions is a source of inspiration for many beginner artists.
Georges Braque
Often working alongside Picasso, Braque focused more on muted tones and texture. His work explored musical instruments and daily objects through the cubist lens. His restrained color choices can be helpful for beginners looking to focus more on form than color.
Juan Gris
Known for his contribution to synthetic cubism, Gris often used brighter colors and collage techniques. His artwork is very approachable for new artists because of its clarity and balanced compositions.
Why Try Cubism as a Beginner?
Freedom of Expression
Unlike realistic art, cubism gives you the freedom to interpret a subject in your own way. You don’t need to worry about exact proportions or perfect shading. You’re encouraged to break the rules and express creativity.
Understanding Form and Structure
Practicing cubism helps train your eye to see the world in terms of shapes and patterns. This skill can be helpful in all kinds of art, from abstract to realism.
Boosting Creativity
Because cubism is less concerned with right and wrong, it invites artists to experiment with different techniques. You’ll find yourself looking at everyday objects in new ways, exploring depth, perspective, and form creatively.
Basic cubism art is an ideal entry point for beginners interested in abstract and modern art. It emphasizes simplicity, creativity, and bold visual ideas. By starting with simple subjects and using geometric forms, anyone can produce engaging and original artwork. Cubism not only enhances artistic skills but also offers a new way to see and interpret the world. With a few materials and an open mind, you can dive into this groundbreaking art style and create pieces that are both expressive and visually compelling.