plate no. 7215

Boy with chicken

Rafael Zabaleta, 1951

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigurelandscapetablechickenfruittrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the nuances of light and shadow in an outdoor setting. It also encourages careful observation of details in complex scenes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure, table, and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the background landscape, using thin washes.
step 03
Block in the figure and table with their basic colors and values.
step 04
Begin layering colors on the landscape, adding details and texture with visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the figure's features and clothing, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the table and objects on it, such as the fruit and bottles.
step 07
Paint the chicken, focusing on its form and feather texture.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw sienna

Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and brown for the chicken's feathers.

techniques