plate no. 0795

Panel 13. Cortez and the Cross - The Epic of American Civilization

Jose Clemente Orozco, 1934

oilMuralismhistory paintingfiguresshipscrossarmorhistoricaldestruction

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, value studies, and creating dynamic compositions with multiple elements. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the major shapes and forms with simplified geometric shapes.
step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a strong sense of contrast.
step 04
Begin refining the shapes and adding details to the figures and objects.
step 05
Mix and apply the base colors for each area, focusing on accurate value relationships.
step 06
Add layers of color to build depth and dimension, paying attention to the light source.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw umber

Mix various shades of gray by combining ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, and white. Add small amounts of red or umber to adjust the temperature of the grays. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, burnt sienna, and a touch of red.

techniques