plate no. 5053

Fisken (Désir De Grossesse)

Franciska Clausen, 1926

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfishwatergeometric shapesabstractpatternsstill life

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric composition, color blocking, and creating smooth gradients. It also encourages experimentation with surrealist imagery and symbolic representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes and the fish composition, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the foreground elements.
step 03
Carefully blend the gradients on the spheres to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 04
Add details to the fish, including scales, fins, and eye, using a smaller brush.
step 05
Paint the patterns on the textured areas, ensuring consistent spacing and line weight.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and correct any inaccuracies in the color blocking.
step 07
Add the small, blue abstract shapes.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a final varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · purple · raw umber · burnt sienna

Achieve the sphere's gradient by gradually mixing black and white. Create the water color by mixing yellow ochre, white, and a touch of blue. Use raw umber and burnt sienna for the patterned areas.

techniques