plate no. 2377

Guerra

Carlos Quizpez Asín, 1940

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureswargas maskcloudssoldierslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in rendering figures with simplified forms and understanding tonal variations to create depth. Students will also learn to create a narrative through symbolic imagery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: the sky, figures' skin tones, clothing, and background elements.
step 03
Begin to define the light and shadow on the figures, using darker tones for shadows and lighter tones for highlights.
step 04
Refine the facial features and details of the figures, paying attention to the expressions.
step 05
Add details to the background elements, such as the soldiers and the landscape.
step 06
Create the cloud effects using soft blending techniques.
step 07
Add the gas mask detail, focusing on the reflective surfaces.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and impactful image.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix yellow ochre and white for the figures' skin tones, adding small amounts of burnt umber for shadows. Use ultramarine blue and white for the clothing, and burnt umber for the darker background elements. Mix red and umber for the clouds.

techniques

·tonal blending
·figure drawing
·atmospheric perspective
·simplified form rendering
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking details too early
→Incorrect proportions of figures
→Muddying colors by over-mixing
→Ignoring the overall tonal balance
→Inaccurate placement of shadows

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints: yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife