plate no. 6148
La vergüenza 1942-1944
Marie-Thérèse Auffray, 1965
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing mood through color and distorted proportions. It's a good exercise in simplifying complex forms and focusing on emotional impact.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and glasses, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a dark red/brown color.
- step 03
Establish the main skin tones using a limited palette of white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue.
- step 04
Add darker values to define shadows and facial features, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the clothing and hair, paying attention to the texture and direction of the brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add details to the glasses and the liquids inside, using highlights and reflections.
- step 07
Refine the facial expressions and add subtle color variations to the skin.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · red · black · white · yellow
secondary · brown · green · blue
Mix skin tones by blending white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue. Achieve darks by mixing black with red or brown. Use green sparingly for clothing and glass reflections.
techniques
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification of forms
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →not capturing the emotional expression
- →getting the proportions wrong
- →muddying the colors
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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