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home·artworks·Francisco Lezcano en su taller
Francisco Lezcano en su taller by Alberto Gironella

plate no. 9519

Francisco Lezcano en su taller

Alberto Gironella, 1966

oilSurrealismportraitportraitfiguredogskullstudiopainting
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and layering colors to create depth and texture. It also encourages experimentation with surrealist composition and subject matter.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and objects.

  2. step 02

    Establish the background colors with broad strokes, creating a base layer for the rest of the painting.

  3. step 03

    Begin layering in the darker values to define the forms and create contrast.

  4. step 04

    Add the mid-tones, blending them with the darks to create smooth transitions.

  5. step 05

    Introduce the lighter values and highlights, focusing on areas where light is most prominent.

  6. step 06

    Develop the details of the figures and objects, paying attention to the textures and patterns.

  7. step 07

    Refine the brushwork, using expressive strokes to add energy and movement to the painting.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches and adjustments to balance the composition and enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the flesh tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create darker shadows. Add small amounts of cadmium red for warmth.

techniques

  • ·expressive brushwork
  • ·layering
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·color mixing

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Ignoring the expressive potential of the brushwork.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish

Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the layering process.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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