apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Rebelion de los criollos
Rebelion de los criollos by Arturo Michelena

plate no. 0230

Rebelion de los criollos

Arturo Michelena

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfigurescrowdbuildinghistorical eventrevolution
experienced study

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in figure drawing, depicting movement, and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth in a complex scene. Students will also learn to mix skin tones and create a sense of drama through light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a rough sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and the building.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors for the background building using thin washes.

  3. step 03

    Begin adding the figures, starting with the largest and most prominent ones in the foreground.

  4. step 04

    Focus on capturing the gestures and poses of the figures to convey movement and emotion.

  5. step 05

    Develop the light and shadow on the figures to create form and depth.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the clothing and faces of the figures, paying attention to the historical accuracy of the attire.

  7. step 07

    Refine the background details, using atmospheric perspective to create a sense of distance.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the drama and realism of the scene.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using a combination of white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Create variations in color by adding small amounts of blue or green. Use thin washes of umber and sienna to create shadows and depth in the building.

techniques

  • ·figure drawing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·glazing

common pitfalls

  • →Getting lost in the details too early and losing the overall composition.
  • →Failing to capture the movement and energy of the crowd.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated and not creating a sense of depth.
  • →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating form and drama.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·raw umber oil paint
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., raw umber wash) to establish a base tone.

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

Romantic Landscape

Romantic Landscape

Karl Lessing

Self-portrait with his brother Francesco

Self-portrait with his brother Francesco

Giuseppe Tominz

Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie

Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie

Léon Cogniet

Duke of Alba

Duke of Alba

Francisco Goya

Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal

Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal

Andreas Achenbach

Young Girl Fixing Her Hair

Young Girl Fixing Her Hair

Sophie Gengembre Anderson

The Plough Inn

The Plough Inn

William Shayer

Hudson River Landscape

Hudson River Landscape

Johann Hermann Carmiencke