plate no. 0161
Ceiling of Colegio de San Ildefonso
Jose Clemente Orozco, 1926
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, geometric abstraction, and creating a sense of depth using value and color.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the perspective.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Develop the figure's form using light and shadow, focusing on anatomical accuracy.
- step 04
Add details to the geometric shapes and architectural elements.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 06
Paint the stained glass window, capturing its intricate details and vibrant colors.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining umber, ochre, and white. Use small amounts of blue and red to create cooler and warmer tones.
techniques
- ·grisaille underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figure drawing.
- →Overly saturated colors that detract from the overall mood.
- →Ignoring the perspective and spatial relationships.
- →Lack of value contrast, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·burnt umber acrylic paint
- ·raw umber acrylic paint
- ·titanium white acrylic paint
- ·yellow ochre acrylic paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
A larger canvas will allow for more detail. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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