plate no. 2910

Still life with Anchovies

Antonio Sicurezza, 1972

oilPost-Impressionismstill lifefishpanjugonionsstill lifetable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint, creating texture with visible brushstrokes, and understanding color relationships in a limited palette. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in seemingly simple objects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on the overall tones.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, adding texture and detail with visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Pay attention to the highlights and shadows on the objects to create depth.
step 05
Mix colors directly on the canvas to achieve a more painterly effect.
step 06
Refine the details of the fish, onions, and other objects.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Varnish when dry to protect the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the silvery tones of the fish by mixing white, blue, and a touch of black. Use burnt umber and cadmium red for the terracotta pot.

techniques