plate no. 2424
Fisherman in a Red Shirt
Niko Pirosmani, 1908
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for learning about simplifying forms and using a limited palette to create a strong image. Students will practice blocking in shapes and creating contrast with a dark background.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, fish, and bucket onto the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background with black paint.
- step 03
Paint the red shirt using a flat, even color.
- step 04
Add highlights and shadows to the shirt to give it dimension.
- step 05
Paint the hat with yellow and add shadows.
- step 06
Paint the fish and bucket with their respective colors, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Add the details of the face and hands.
- step 08
Paint the water reflections with white paint.
color palette
primary · red · black · yellow
secondary · white · green · gray
Mix shades of red by adding small amounts of black or white. Create the green for the bucket by mixing yellow and black.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·flat color application
- ·highlighting
- ·shadowing
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →over-blending
- →using too many colors
- →losing the simplicity of the forms
- →uneven background
materials
surface · oilcloth or stretched canvas
required
- ·oil paints (red, black, yellow, white)
- ·canvas
- ·brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
Use a limited palette to stay true to the original painting's style. Oilcloth is a traditional surface but canvas works well too.
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