plate no. 8937

A Plate of Figs

Pierre Bonnard, 1921

oilPost-Impressionismgenre paintingfiguresfruittablebowlinteriorstill life

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle skin tones and capturing the texture of objects with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of light and shadow to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, paying attention to the placement of the figures, bowl, and other objects.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes, focusing on the overall values and color temperature.
step 03
Begin building up layers of paint, adding more detail and definition to the figures and objects.
step 04
Mix colors carefully to match the subtle variations in skin tones and the colors of the figs.
step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to create texture and add interest to the painting.
step 06
Pay attention to the light and shadow, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · alizarin crimson

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light

Achieve skin tones by mixing alizarin crimson, yellow ochre, and white, adjusting the proportions to create warm and cool tones. Mix greens for the figs by combining viridian, yellow ochre, and white.

techniques