plate no. 9165

Our Bread

Diego Rivera, 1928

frescoMuralismallegorical paintingfigurestablefoodarchitecturebasketportraits

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in mixing skin tones and rendering textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the background arch and the overall structure of the scene.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and values of the figures, paying attention to proportions.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and dimension in the figures and clothing.
step 05
Add details to the faces and hands, focusing on capturing the expressions and gestures.
step 06
Paint the table and the food, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Refine the background and add any remaining details, such as the text at the top.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust the colors and values as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · raw umber · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and beige for the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the cool tones in the background. Mix red and yellow to achieve the orange hues.

techniques