plate no. 6250
The butcher shop
Panayiotis Tetsis, 1956
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork, color mixing to achieve realistic flesh tones, and capturing dynamic compositions with multiple subjects.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and carcasses.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of color, focusing on the overall mood.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the carcasses, using a limited palette of warm and cool tones.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, focusing on capturing their expressions and gestures.
- step 05
Develop the textures of the meat and clothing with expressive brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the light and shadow, creating depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black
Achieve flesh tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue for shadows. Use viridian green and ivory black to create darker tones in the background.
techniques
- ·impasto
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·color temperature
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Failing to capture the dynamic energy of the scene.
- →Not paying attention to the relationships between colors.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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