plate no. 7035

I go

Arturo Souto, 1934

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresmasksmanbowler hatpartyclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides an opportunity to explore composition and depicting figures in a dimly lit environment.

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 composition of the figures and objects using light pencil lines.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone to establish the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin blocking in the main color areas for each figure and the background, focusing on the dominant hues.
step 04
Layer darker tones to create shadows and define forms, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Add highlights and lighter tones to create contrast and bring out details in the figures' faces and clothing.
step 06
Use short, visible brushstrokes to build texture and add depth to the painting.
step 07
Refine the details of the masks, clothing, and other objects, paying attention to the subtle color variations.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for dark shadows. Use yellow ochre and titanium white for highlights. Mix small amounts of cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create muted browns and purples.

techniques

·dry brush
·scumbling
·layering
·color mixing
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
→Ignoring the value structure and focusing too much on individual colors.
→Using too much detail too early in the painting process.
→Not paying attention to the proportions and anatomy of the figures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags