plate no. 8437

Amado de la Cueva

David Alfaro Siqueiros, 1920

oil, canvasSocial Realismportraitfigureportraitchairmanclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing with a limited palette, and creating form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying a mood through pose and expression.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of burnt sienna and red.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figure's clothing, skin, and chair using simplified shapes.
step 04
Begin to refine the shapes and values, paying attention to the light and shadow on the figure.
step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and clothing, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the texture of the chair and clothing with visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and expressive painting.
step 08
Add the signature and date.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Use burnt sienna and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the skin and chair. Mix ivory black and ultramarine blue for the darks in the clothing and background. Add titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights.

techniques