plate no. 8071
Morro da favela
Tarsila do Amaral, 1924
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students understand color relationships and how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth using color and size.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the houses, hills, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, establishing the overall tone.
- step 03
Paint the houses using simplified shapes and flat colors, varying the hues for visual interest.
- step 04
Add the hills, using lighter tones in the distance to create depth.
- step 05
Paint the figures with simple shapes and limited detail, focusing on their silhouettes.
- step 06
Add the trees and vegetation, using darker greens for the foreground and lighter greens for the background.
- step 07
Refine the details, such as windows, doors, and clothing, using small brushes.
- step 08
Add final touches, such as shadows and highlights, to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · light blue · pink · red · green
secondary · yellow · white · brown · orange
Mix various shades of pink by combining red and white. Create different greens by mixing blue and yellow, adjusting the proportions for lighter or darker shades. Use white to lighten any color and create highlights.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·shape simplification
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·creating depth with color
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Not simplifying the figures enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (light blue, pink, red, green, yellow, white, brown, orange)
- ·assorted brushes (small, medium, large)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Acrylic paints are recommended for beginners due to their quick drying time and ease of use. Choose a canvas size that is comfortable for you to work with.
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