plate no. 6702

The Packing Case

Georges Braque, 1947

oil, canvasCubismstill lifestill lifefishpotsflowerswooden cratetextiles

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and explore the use of broken color to create texture and depth. It also provides practice in layering paint and creating a sense of depth through overlapping shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the crate, pots, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the crate, pots, and background using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Begin to build up the texture of the crate by applying short, broken brushstrokes of varying shades of brown and ochre.
step 04
Define the shapes of the pots and fish with darker outlines and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the flowers and background, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes to create visual interest.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the lettering on the crate, paying attention to the shape and spacing of the letters.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · ochre · brown · gray · green

secondary · white · black · yellow · pink

Mix browns and ochres by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Achieve grays by mixing black and white, and adjust the tone with touches of blue or brown.

techniques