plate no. 1706
Panel 15. Anglo America - The Epic of American Civilization
Jose Clemente Orozco, 1934
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice painting figures in groups and creating a sense of depth through variations in size and value. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main figures and buildings.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic perspective of the buildings.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 04
Apply a base layer of color to the sky, buildings, and ground.
- step 05
Start adding details to the figures, focusing on the faces and clothing.
- step 06
Develop the shadows and highlights to create depth and volume.
- step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and background elements.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust the overall composition as needed.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Raw Umber · Titanium White
secondary · Cadmium Red Light · Yellow Ochre
Mix Prussian Blue and Raw Umber with Titanium White to create the various shades of blue and gray for the figures and buildings. Use small amounts of Cadmium Red Light and Yellow Ochre to add warmth to the skin tones and buildings.
techniques
- ·Blocking in
- ·Layering
- ·Limited palette mixing
- ·Simplifying forms
- ·Creating depth with value
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Ignoring the relative sizes and positions of the figures
- →Overmixing colors and creating muddy tones
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·Medium for glazing
- ·Retarder medium (for acrylics)
- ·Easel
A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or 18x24) would be suitable for this project. Acrylics are recommended for beginners due to their faster drying time.
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