plate no. 2690
Figs
Avigdor Arikha, 1974
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering translucent objects and understanding subtle color variations in a limited palette. It also provides practice in capturing realistic form and light.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the outline of the bowl and the arrangement of the figs.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of neutral color, paying attention to the shadow.
- step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the figs using a mid-tone green.
- step 04
Begin layering darker and lighter greens to define the form and texture of each fig.
- step 05
Carefully paint the glass bowl, focusing on the highlights and distortions caused by the glass.
- step 06
Add details to the figs, such as stems and subtle color variations.
- step 07
Refine the background and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · ivory black · cadmium yellow light
Mix greens by blending sap green with yellow ochre and white. Use raw umber and black to create shadows and darker tones. White is used to create highlights and lighten the background.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·optical mixing
- ·rendering of translucent objects
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to accurately capture the subtle color variations.
- →Not paying enough attention to the highlights and shadows on the glass.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, sap green, raw umber, titanium white, ivory black)
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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