plate no. 7628

Front of Villarreal de Álava

Carlos Saenz de Tejada, 1938

oilSocial Realismgenre paintingsoldiersruinsbuildingfigureswardebris

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in tonal shading, perspective, and depicting complex scenes with multiple figures and architectural elements. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using value variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of key elements like the building and figures.
step 02
Focus on establishing the horizon line and vanishing points to create accurate perspective for the building and surrounding debris.
step 03
Start blocking in the darkest values, paying attention to the shadows cast by the building and figures.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, using hatching and cross-hatching to create texture and form.
step 05
Add details to the figures, focusing on their poses and expressions.
step 06
Refine the details of the ruined building, including broken beams and crumbling walls.
step 07
Use a kneaded eraser to lift out highlights and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to create a cohesive and impactful image.

color palette

primary · graphite gray · charcoal black · ivory white

secondary · sepia brown

Vary the intensity of the gray by mixing different ratios of graphite and white. Use sepia sparingly to add warmth to certain areas.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·tonal shading
·perspective drawing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value range, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.
→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the overall composition and values.
→Ignoring the principles of perspective, leading to distorted or unrealistic forms.
→Overworking certain areas, resulting in a muddy or overworked appearance.

materials

surface · smooth drawing paper

required

·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
·Charcoal pencils
·Kneaded eraser
·White drawing paper
·Blending stumps
·Ruler
·Pencil sharpener

optional

·Sepia toned pencils
·Fixative spray
·Sandpaper block

Use a variety of graphite pencils to achieve a full range of values. A kneaded eraser is essential for lifting out highlights and creating soft transitions.

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