plate no. 9388
La poissonnerie
Bernard Buffet, 1951
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive composition. Students will also practice creating texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, tables, and fish.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light gray wash, allowing some brushstrokes to show.
- step 03
Paint the tables with a darker gray/brown mixture, adding subtle variations in tone.
- step 04
Outline the figure and the fish with black, defining their shapes.
- step 05
Fill in the figure's clothing with solid black and white, paying attention to the folds in the apron.
- step 06
Add details to the fish, such as scales and fins, using a fine brush.
- step 07
Paint the wire mesh background with thin black lines, creating a grid pattern.
- step 08
Add any final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · black · white · gray
secondary · brown
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Use brown sparingly to add warmth to the tables and background.
techniques
- ·limited palette
- ·geometric simplification
- ·dry brushing
- ·outlining
- ·value shading
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes of the fish.
- →Making the background too uniform and flat.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints (black, white, gray, brown)
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·ruler
- ·graphite pencil
- ·kneaded eraser
A smooth canvas surface is recommended for this painting. Consider using a medium to thin the paints for easier blending.
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