plate no. 2218
The Aquarium
Georges Braque, 1951
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also encourages experimentation with color and abstract representation.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the aquarium, fish, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 03
Add darker values to define the shapes and create depth.
- step 04
Introduce the secondary colors and highlights, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Develop the texture and details using visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, adjusting the colors as needed.
- step 07
Add final details such as the fish eyes and reflections.
- step 08
Step back and make any final adjustments to balance the composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · purple · raw sienna
Mix yellow ochre with burnt umber to create various shades of brown and gold. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix ultramarine blue with a touch of burnt umber to create the darker blues.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·simplification of form
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·purple oil paint
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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