plate no. 5738
País Rojo Teti
Xul Solar, 1949
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and form, as well as practicing precise linework for details like ladders and figures. It also encourages imaginative composition and surrealist concepts.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and the positions of the ladders and figures.
- step 02
Establish the overall warm tone of the sky and the mountains with a thin wash of orange and red.
- step 03
Begin layering darker shades of brown and red to define the shadows and contours of the mountains.
- step 04
Add the details of the ladders, masks, and figures using precise lines and darker colors like blue and black.
- step 05
Paint the eyes on the mountains, paying attention to their placement and expression.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · black · yellow ochre
Mix burnt sienna and cadmium red for the mountain base color. Use white to lighten and create highlights. Mix ultramarine blue and black for the figures and masks.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·linework
- ·color mixing
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the colors and losing the subtle variations.
- →Making the lines too thick and heavy.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures and ladders.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (burnt sienna, cadmium red, titanium white, ultramarine blue, black, yellow ochre)
- ·round brushes (small and medium)
- ·flat brushes (small and medium)
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use good quality acrylic paints for better color saturation and longevity. A canvas with a smooth surface will be easier to paint on.
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