plate no. 2794

The Butcher Shop

Fernand Leger, 1921

oil, canvasCubismgenre paintingfiguresbutcher shopindustrialgeometric shapesstill life

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and practice color mixing to achieve subtle gradations within a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and geometric elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figures and the animal.
step 03
Mix and apply the various shades of gray, blue, and orange, paying attention to the subtle value changes that create form.
step 04
Define the edges of the shapes with darker values to create contrast and separation.
step 05
Add the details, such as the lines on the hands and the lettering in the background.
step 06
Refine the colors and values as needed to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall effect, making any final adjustments to the colors, values, and details.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · black

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white, and create the orange hues by blending yellow ochre with a touch of cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue and white for the blue tones, and mix viridian green with white for the green elements.

techniques

·geometric abstraction
·color blocking
·value gradation
·limited palette
·hard edge painting

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes
→Inaccurate color mixing
→Uneven value distribution
→Losing the geometric structure

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (#2, #6, #8)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)
·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning)

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·gloves

Using a medium-grain canvas will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Acrylic paint is a good option for beginners due to its fast drying time and ease of use.

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