plate no. 1995

An Old Woman Selling Fish

oil, panelBaroquegenre paintingfiguresfishmarketinteriorarchitecturestill life

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a realistic style, as well as understanding how to create depth and atmosphere through careful value and color control. It also provides practice in painting various textures, such as fabric, wood, and brick.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the background and architectural elements, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
step 04
Refine the figures, adding details to the faces, clothing, and hands.
step 05
Paint the still life elements, such as the fish and vegetables, with careful attention to light and shadow.
step 06
Add highlights and details to create a sense of realism and depth.
step 07
Glaze areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · red ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · cadmium red light

Achieve realistic skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create dark shadows and muted tones.

techniques