plate no. 7005

Los Tezcaltipocas

Jorge González Camarena, 1969

oilMuralismsymbolic paintingfiguresskeletonanimalsymbolismabstractviolence

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in anatomical abstraction, color harmony with a limited palette, and creating dynamic compositions with multiple figures. It also provides practice in rendering textures and suggesting depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of the figures.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying attention to the anatomical structure and proportions of the figures.
step 03
Block in the main color areas using thinned paint, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up depth and create subtle variations in tone.
step 05
Add details to the figures, such as the skeletal structure and facial features.
step 06
Refine the background elements, ensuring they complement the figures and enhance the overall composition.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a cohesive and impactful final result.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and titanium white. Use Payne's gray to create shadows and add depth. Yellow ochre can be used to warm up the skin tones or create highlights.

techniques