plate no. 4657

Desocupados (detalle)

Antonio Berni, 1934

oilSocial Realismgenre paintingfiguresbeachskycloudsseaboat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing and painting, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a somber mood through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the sky, sea, and beach with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the dark values in the clouds and the figures' clothing to create depth and contrast.
step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, paying attention to the folds in their clothing and the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 05
Refine the details of the background, including the boat and the distant cliffs.
step 06
Add highlights to the figures and the landscape to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · payne's gray

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm highlights on the figures and the landscape.

techniques