plate no. 3496

Forbidden Fruit

Yasuo Kuniyoshi, 1950

oilExpressionismsymbolic paintingfigurewatermelonstill lifeabstractgeometric shapestable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating texture with brushstrokes, and understanding abstract composition. It also encourages exploration of color relationships and symbolic representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, watermelon slices, and geometric background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure and still life elements.
step 03
Begin layering colors to create depth and texture, using visible brushstrokes to add interest.
step 04
Pay attention to the color relationships between the different elements, adjusting the hues and values as needed.
step 05
Add details to the figure and watermelon slices, such as the eyes and seeds.
step 06
Refine the geometric shapes in the background, ensuring they are well-defined and balanced.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a cohesive and balanced artwork.

color palette

primary · red · orange · blue · purple

secondary · yellow · green · white

Achieve the watermelon colors by mixing reds with white and touches of green. The skin is a mix of greens and blues. The figure's skin tone is achieved by mixing white with small amounts of green and blue.

techniques