plate no. 1862

Mujer en gris

Rufino Tamayo, 1931

oilCubismnude painting (nu)figurenudebackgroundstoolobject

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice figure drawing and rendering form with a limited color palette. Students can develop their understanding of value and color temperature to create depth and volume.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and stool.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure with a mid-tone green.
step 04
Add darker values to define shadows and contours.
step 05
Introduce lighter values to highlight the form.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, hands, and feet.
step 07
Paint the stool and the object on the floor.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a cohesive image.

color palette

primary · olive green · burnt sienna · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · payne's gray

Mix olive green by combining raw umber and a touch of burnt sienna. Adjust the values by adding white or payne's gray. Use burnt sienna for the background and to warm up the green in highlights.

techniques

·value shading
·color mixing
·blending
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using too much white, which can make the colors look chalky.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the figure.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 12x16
·Acrylic or oil paints
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brush (size 8)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Rags

optional

·Medium (for oil paints)
·Easel
·Apron

Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.

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