plate no. 3075
Nu noir
Jean Fautrier, 1926
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and creating depth using a limited, muted color palette. It also encourages exploration of abstracting the human form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic figure proportions with charcoal.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background with a thin wash of black or dark umber.
- step 03
Begin applying layers of gray and white to define the figure's form, using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 04
Introduce subtle hints of red or brown to warm up the skin tones.
- step 05
Soften edges and blend values where needed, but maintain visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the facial features and add subtle details to the torso.
- step 07
Adjust the overall value contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · burnt sienna · payne's gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Add small amounts of umber or sienna to create warmer or cooler grays. Use payne's gray for subtle blue undertones.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·value layering
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
- →Making the figure too symmetrical or static.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a canvas with a slightly textured surface to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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