plate no. 2769

Nature morte aux oignons

Jean Fautrier, 1926

oilExpressionismstill lifeonionsknifestill lifevegetablestable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms, understanding light and shadow, and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a subject rather than precise realism.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the objects on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color for the background and the objects, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights to create a sense of form.
step 04
Begin refining the shapes and adding details, paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix and apply secondary colors to create depth and interest in the shadows and highlights.
step 06
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive composition.
step 07
Soften edges where appropriate to blend forms together.
step 08
Add final highlights to create a focal point.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

Mix raw umber and white for the lighter areas, adding small amounts of yellow ochre for warmth. Use black and umber for the shadows, and burnt sienna for reddish tones in the onions.

techniques