plate no. 4236

Manifestacion, (Demonstration)

Antonio Berni, 1934

oilSocial Realismgenre paintingfigurescrowdbuildingsprotesturbanfaces

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering realistic skin tones and facial features, as well as understanding complex compositions with many figures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and placement of the figures and buildings.
step 02
Establish the background colors, focusing on the sky and building tones.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for each figure, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Start refining the facial features of the figures in the foreground, focusing on accurate proportions and expressions.
step 05
Develop the mid-ground figures, simplifying details but maintaining accurate values.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and volume in the figures.
step 07
Refine the details of the clothing and accessories.
step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white, adjusting proportions for different complexions. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber for darker shadows and background tones. Add small amounts of cadmium red to warm up skin tones.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·chiaroscuro
·color mixing
·layering

common pitfalls

→Getting bogged down in excessive detail too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Inaccurate proportions of facial features.
→Overworking the painting and losing freshness.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium red, raw sienna, ivory black)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags