plate no. 3084

Deux hommes nus

Bernard Buffet, 1947

oilExpressionismnude painting (nu)figuresnudeschairinteriorfloorboardstap

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages simplification of form and expressive line work.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and the chair, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of off-white or beige, allowing some of the underpainting to show through.
step 03
Paint the floorboards using a dark brown, varying the tones slightly to create depth and texture.
step 04
Add the figures, starting with a light underpainting of gray or pale flesh tones.
step 05
Define the figures' contours and details with dark, expressive lines using a fine brush or pen.
step 06
Add subtle shading to the figures to create form and volume.
step 07
Include the tap detail with simple lines and shading.
step 08
Add any final details or adjustments to the composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

Mix ivory black and titanium white to create various shades of gray. Use raw umber for the floorboards and mix with burnt sienna for warmer tones. Add a touch of yellow ochre to the background for subtle warmth.

techniques

·expressive linework
·scumbling
·limited palette
·simplified forms
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Incorrect proportions of the figures
→Flat, lifeless color
→Ignoring the negative space
→Uneven floorboards

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·ivory black acrylic paint
·raw umber acrylic paint
·titanium white acrylic paint
·round brush size 2
·flat brush size 6
·palette
·water

optional

·palette knife
·retarder medium
·varnish

Use a canvas with a slightly rough texture to enhance the visible brushstrokes. Acrylic paint is recommended for its fast drying time and ease of use.

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