plate no. 0123

Family of puppeteers

Rafael Zabaleta, 1934

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitfamilyinstrumentsclothingsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, mixing muted color palettes, and creating expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and instruments, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, using a limited palette of earth tones and muted blues.
step 03
Develop the values within each color area, creating depth and form with subtle gradations.
step 04
Add details to the faces and clothing, using small brushstrokes to suggest texture and pattern.
step 05
Define the edges of the figures and instruments, using darker values to create contrast and separation.
step 06
Refine the background, blending the colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights to the figures and instruments, using lighter values to create a sense of light and shadow.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making adjustments as needed to improve the balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange) and adding white or raw umber to dull the intensity.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·color mixing
·simplifying forms

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (raw umber, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags