plate no. 1527
The Fishmonger
Vladimir Tatlin, 1911
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes and use a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.
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 main shapes and lines of the composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color using simplified shapes.
- step 03
Mix the primary colors to achieve the desired shades of brown, orange, and white.
- step 04
Apply paint with visible brushstrokes, following the direction of the forms.
- step 05
Add details such as the fish, facial features, and boat elements.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Adjust the values to enhance the contrast and create a focal point.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · black · raw sienna
Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre for various shades of brown. Add white to lighten these colors. Use cadmium red sparingly for accents.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Blending colors too much, losing the visible brushstrokes.
- →Ignoring the overall composition and focusing too much on small details.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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