plate no. 1805

Criança Morta

Candido Portinari, 1944

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresdeathsorrowchildrenlandscapegrief

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in depicting emotion through figure drawing and using a limited palette to create a somber atmosphere. Students will also learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a thin wash of diluted paint.
step 03
Develop the background with broad strokes, blending the sky and ground.
step 04
Begin building up the figures, focusing on proportions and anatomical details.
step 05
Add layers of color to create depth and dimension in the figures' clothing and skin.
step 06
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the figures' features and create texture.
step 07
Pay close attention to the lighting and shadows to enhance the emotional impact.
step 08
Add final details, such as tears and subtle color variations, to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix raw umber and burnt sienna to create the earth tones. Add white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Use alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue sparingly to create the purplish hues in the sky and clothing.

techniques