plate no. 6237

The leap of the rabbit

Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, 1911

oilExpressionismanimal paintingfishplantsflowersfoliagewaterpond

some experience helpful

This painting allows students to practice simplifying complex shapes into basic forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. Students will also develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, focusing on the placement of the fish, plants, and flowers.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of yellow ochre, allowing some areas to remain lighter than others.
step 03
Begin painting the large leaves with dark green, using broad brushstrokes to define their shapes.
step 04
Add lighter shades of green and hints of yellow to the leaves to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Paint the fish with shades of blue, grey, and black, paying attention to the details of its scales and fins.
step 06
Add the flowers and other small plants with their respective colors, using smaller brushes for finer details.
step 07
Create the water surface with dark blues and greens, adding reflections of the plants and flowers.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the painting, adjusting colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · dark green · blue · grey

secondary · red · white · black

Mix different shades of green by combining dark green with yellow ochre and white. Create variations in the blues by adding grey or black.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·dry brush texture
·color mixing
·simplification of form

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original painting.
→Using too many colors and creating a chaotic composition.
→Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat image.
→Inaccurate proportions of the subject matter.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, dark green, blue, grey, red, white, black)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·painting apron

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail without being overwhelming. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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