plate no. 7706

Fishmonger

Mario Sironi, 1927

oilNeoclassicismportraitfigureportraitmantorsofishwindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to model form using light and shadow, as well as how to create a sense of depth and atmosphere with a limited color palette. It also provides practice in capturing the human form with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the darker values, focusing on the contours and areas of deepest shadow.
step 04
Add the mid-tones, blending them into the highlights and shadows to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Refine the details of the face and hands, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.
step 06
Add the fish and the surrounding details on the table.
step 07
Adjust the overall balance of light and shadow, making sure that the focal point is well-defined.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the darkest shadows. Use raw sienna and titanium white for highlights. Add small amounts of yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones.

techniques