plate no. 6395
Children Fortunes
Fernando Botero, 1968
some experience helpful
This painting helps students practice rendering rounded forms and understanding color relationships in a limited palette. Students will also learn how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the rounded forms.
- step 04
Add details to the faces, clothing, and background.
- step 05
Mix and apply highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Blend edges to create smooth transitions between colors.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · sap green
Mix various shades of skin tones using yellow ochre, cadmium red light, and titanium white. Create muted greens by mixing sap green with raw umber. Achieve dark blues by mixing ultramarine blue with raw umber.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·form rendering
- ·simplified shapes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Not blending edges smoothly enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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