plate no. 8969
The Red Fish
Louis Marcoussis, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and how to create form through simplified shapes and visible brushstrokes. It also encourages exploration of abstract composition and color relationships.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and their placement on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the largest areas of color with thin washes.
- step 03
Build up layers of paint, focusing on defining the edges of the shapes.
- step 04
Introduce variations in color within each block to add depth.
- step 05
Add texture with visible brushstrokes, following the direction of the forms.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and edges, adjusting the values to create contrast.
- step 07
Add small details like the circle to enhance the composition.
- step 08
Review the painting and make final adjustments to balance the colors and values.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, and black. Create lighter tones by adding titanium white to the primary colors.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, losing the distinct shapes.
- →Making the composition too symmetrical or static.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Neglecting the importance of value contrast.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
Use a medium-grit canvas to enhance the texture of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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