plate no. 4797
At the bar
Carlos Saenz de Tejada, 1924
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive atmosphere. Students will also learn to create depth using overlapping shapes and subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the placement of figures and furniture.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of diluted paint.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas for each figure and object, using simplified geometric shapes.
- step 04
Refine the shapes and add details to the figures and objects, paying attention to the angles and proportions.
- step 05
Introduce subtle value changes to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Add the lettering and advertisements in the background, using a fine brush.
- step 07
Define the edges of shapes with darker lines to create contrast and separation.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · raw sienna · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of blue by adding white or umber to cerulean blue. Create warm browns by mixing raw sienna and burnt umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·geometric simplification
- ·limited palette
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and losing the cohesive atmosphere.
- →Ignoring the underlying geometric structure of the scene.
- →Not paying attention to the value relationships between different areas.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Thin the oil paints with linseed oil or turpentine for easier blending.
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