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home·artworks·Looting (Valencia)
Looting (Valencia) by Carlos Saenz de Tejada

plate no. 5657

Looting (Valencia)

Carlos Saenz de Tejada

oilSocial Realismsketch and studyfiguressoldierslootingwarcityscapeweapons
experienced study

Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in figure drawing, foreshortening, and creating dynamic compositions with a limited value range. It also emphasizes the use of charcoal or graphite to create texture and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.

  2. step 02

    Focus on the main figure's pose and proportions, paying attention to the weight distribution.

  3. step 03

    Block in the major shadow areas to define the forms and create depth.

  4. step 04

    Refine the details of the figures, including facial features, clothing, and weapons.

  5. step 05

    Add texture and shading using various charcoal or graphite techniques.

  6. step 06

    Pay attention to the background elements, suggesting the cityscape with loose strokes.

  7. step 07

    Use a kneaded eraser to lift highlights and create a sense of atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Finalize the drawing by adding any necessary details and adjusting the overall value range.

color palette

primary · graphite · charcoal

secondary · white (paper)

Vary pressure and layering to achieve different shades of gray.

techniques

  • ·hatching
  • ·cross-hatching
  • ·smudging
  • ·blending
  • ·value gradation

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the drawing and losing the spontaneity of the sketch.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value range, resulting in a flat image.
  • →Inaccurate proportions and anatomical errors in the figures.
  • →Ignoring the background and failing to integrate it with the foreground.

materials

surface · Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)

required

  • ·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
  • ·Charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
  • ·Kneaded eraser
  • ·Blending stump
  • ·Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
  • ·Fixative spray

optional

  • ·Vine charcoal
  • ·Chamois cloth
  • ·Sandpaper block

Experiment with different types of charcoal and graphite to find the ones that work best for you.

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