plate no. 5358
Head of a Fisherman
Max Pechstein, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of positive and negative space to create form and texture, and how to simplify complex subjects into geometric shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hat, and beard, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Define the major areas of black and white, simplifying the details.
- step 03
Begin filling in the large black areas, such as the hat and background.
- step 04
Add the smaller black details within the face and beard, paying attention to the linework.
- step 05
Refine the edges of the white areas to create crisp lines and shapes.
- step 06
Add any final details or corrections to the linework.
- step 07
Ensure the balance between black and white areas is maintained.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · black · white
secondary ·
No color mixing is required, as the image is purely black and white.
techniques
- ·positive and negative space
- ·linework
- ·geometric simplification
- ·high contrast
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the linework and losing the simplified geometric shapes.
- →Not maintaining a strong contrast between black and white areas.
- →Failing to accurately represent the proportions of the face.
- →Creating uneven or wobbly lines.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas or heavy paper
required
- ·Canvas or heavy paper
- ·Black acrylic paint or ink
- ·White acrylic paint or gesso
- ·Round brush (various sizes)
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
- ·Palette or mixing surface
optional
- ·Ruler
- ·Tracing paper
- ·Palette knife
Using a gessoed surface will help the paint adhere better. For a printmaking effect, consider using linoleum block and carving tools.
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