plate no. 0546

Fellow Citizens

Corneliu Baba, 1974

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresportraitscrowdclothinghistoricalfaces

experienced study

This painting offers practice in capturing likenesses with limited values and loose brushwork. Students can develop skills in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using a muted palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with mid-tone values, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin adding highlights and shadows to define the forms, using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the unique characteristics of each individual.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and other elements, keeping the brushwork loose and suggestive.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red light · titanium white

Mix the skin tones by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red light to add warmth to the cheeks and lips. Create darker values by adding ivory black to the mixture.

techniques