plate no. 1919

Panel 9. Totem Poles - The Epic of American Civilization

Jose Clemente Orozco, 1934

oilMuralismhistory paintingtotem polesfigureswood carvingcultural arthistory

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and depicting three-dimensional forms with simplified shapes. It also provides an opportunity to study and represent cultural artifacts.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and positions of the totem poles.
step 02
Block in the background colors: dark blue on the sides and green in the center.
step 03
Apply a base coat of red/orange to the totem poles.
step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the carvings.
step 05
Introduce blue highlights to create contrast and depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the carvings, paying attention to the shapes and patterns.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
step 08
Consider adding a thin glaze to unify the colors.

color palette

primary · red · orange · blue

secondary · yellow · green · dark blue

Mix various shades of red and orange by adding small amounts of blue or yellow. Achieve the background green by mixing blue and yellow, and darken the blue with black or burnt umber.

techniques

·color layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·blocking in
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Ignoring the value structure and creating a flat image.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (red, orange, blue, yellow, green, black, white)
·Assorted paint brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)

optional

·Medium gloss
·Rags
·Easel

Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base for the painting. Acrylics are easier to clean and dry faster, while oils allow for more blending and subtle color transitions.

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