plate no. 6051

Las bestias de aquel infierno

Carlos Alonso, 2006

oilExpressionismsymbolic paintingfigureportraitmilitary uniformskulldark artexpressionism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and expressive brushwork to convey emotion and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head and shoulders.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of blue and black, varying the pressure to create depth.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones using a mix of yellow, white, and a touch of green, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Define the skeletal features on one side of the face, using darker shades of yellow and brown to create shadows.
step 05
Add details to the military uniform, including the hat and collar, using a limited palette of white, gray, and black.
step 06
Refine the facial features, adding details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, and emphasizing the contrast between the living and skeletal sides.
step 07
Use expressive brushstrokes to add texture and movement to the painting, particularly in the background and on the figure's face.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and dimension of the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow · blue · white

secondary · black · green · brown

Achieve the skin tones by mixing yellow with white and small amounts of green and brown. Use varying amounts of black and blue to create the background depth.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·color mixing
·expressive brushwork
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
→Failing to establish a clear light source, leading to inconsistent shadows.
→Neglecting the details of the skeletal features, making them appear unrealistic.
→Using too much detail in the background, distracting from the main subject.