Quito de la nube negra by Oswaldo Guayasamin

plate no. 7017

Quito de la nube negra

Oswaldo Guayasamin, 1987

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapemountainsbuildingsskyclouds

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing simplified forms and color blocking. Students will learn to create depth using value and color temperature changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

3

value contrast

4

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, city, and cloud.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, mountains, and city using diluted paint.
step 03
Add darker values to the mountains to create depth and shadow.
step 04
Begin defining the individual buildings within the city using a variety of warm and cool tones.
step 05
Use a fine brush to add the dark outlines that define the shapes of the buildings and mountains.
step 06
Add highlights to the buildings to create a sense of light and form.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights.

color palette

primary · dark green · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Achieve various shades of brown by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and white.

techniques

·color blocking
·simplified forms
·atmospheric perspective
·linear perspective
·outlining

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
→Not creating enough contrast between the light and dark areas.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (small, medium)
·flat brushes (medium)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor