plate no. 9668

Celdas Difíciles

Xul Solar, 1946

oilSurrealismcityscapebuildingsladdersfigurescityscapearchitecturesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in linear perspective, color mixing for subtle variations, and creating a surreal atmosphere through composition and subject matter. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to define form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and ladders.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to guide the perspective.
step 03
Block in the main color areas of the buildings, using a diluted wash.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to define the forms of the buildings and create depth.
step 05
Paint the ladders, paying attention to their placement and perspective.
step 06
Add the figures, focusing on their proportions and poses.
step 07
Refine the details of the buildings, such as windows and doors.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber with varying amounts of white to create the different shades of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue to create the figures' clothing and to add cool tones to the shadows.

techniques

·linear perspective
·color layering
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective leading to a distorted composition.
→Overworking the colors and losing the subtle variations.
→Neglecting the importance of light and shadow in defining form.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
→Lack of patience in building up the layers of color.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints
·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
·palette
·water container
·pencil
·eraser

optional

·masking fluid
·ruler
·watercolor pencils

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple layers of paint. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.

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