plate no. 1037
Promenade
Fernando Botero, 1979
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve muted tones and understanding how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and the trees, focusing on proportions and composition.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of brown and white, creating the impression of trees and sky.
- step 03
Establish the main colors of the figure's clothing, using a limited palette of reds, whites, and blacks.
- step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the figure to create volume and depth.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and staff.
- step 06
Develop the texture of the trees by layering different shades of brown and adding subtle highlights.
- step 07
Add the small details of the ground and the distant buildings.
- step 08
Apply a final glaze to unify the painting and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white to soften the intensity. Use thin glazes to build up color and create depth.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the forms.
- →Using colors that are too bright and saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 1/2 inch, 1 inch)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to faster drying times.
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