plate no. 1157

Carne de Primera

Carlos Alonso, 1977

oilExpressionismsymbolic paintingmeatbutcherfigureanimal carcasstilehooks

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex forms with loose brushwork and creating a somber mood through a limited, muted color palette. It also provides practice in depicting textures and anatomical details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes of the carcasses and the figure.
step 02
Block in the background tiles with a thin, neutral gray wash.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the carcasses and the figure's clothing.
step 04
Start building up the mid-tones and highlights, focusing on the textures of the meat and fabric.
step 05
Pay close attention to the anatomical details of the carcasses, using thin washes of color to define the forms.
step 06
Refine the figure's features and clothing, adding subtle details to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add the hanging hooks and chain details.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and impactful image.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black · yellow ochre

Achieve the fleshy tones by mixing burnt sienna, cadmium red, and white. Use raw umber and black to create the darker shadows and define the forms. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm up certain areas.

techniques

·alla prima
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·glazing
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive brushwork.
→Failing to capture the subtle value shifts that create the form.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can detract from the somber mood.
→Ignoring the anatomical details of the carcasses, which can make them look unrealistic.