plate no. 3343

Man at the Crossroads/Man, Controller of the Univers

Diego Rivera, 1934

frescoMuralismallegorical paintingfiguresmachinerycrowdstatuestechnologyallegory

advanced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in complex composition, figure drawing, and rendering a wide range of textures and materials. It also encourages the study of historical and social themes within art.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes and figures, focusing on the central machinery and the placement of the crowds.
step 02
Establish the background tones and basic color blocks for the different sections of the mural.
step 03
Start building up the details in the central machinery, paying attention to the overlapping forms and the light source.
step 04
Develop the figures in the crowds, working from general shapes to more specific details, and varying skin tones and clothing.
step 05
Add details to the statues and other symbolic elements, focusing on accurate proportions and shading.
step 06
Refine the color palette, adjusting hues and values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Varnish for protection and to enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · ochre · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · cadmium yellow light

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of primary colors. Use glazes of thinned colors to create depth and subtle color variations.

techniques