plate no. 0907
Satan
Wifredo Lam, 1942
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes and bold outlines.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and horse, focusing on geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light blue wash, allowing brushstrokes to show.
- step 03
Apply the darker blue tones to the figure, using directional brushstrokes to define form.
- step 04
Paint the horse with a lighter blue-green, blending slightly with the background.
- step 05
Add details to the horse's head and body, using simplified shapes and lines.
- step 06
Outline the figures and shapes with a dark brown or black, varying the line thickness.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the composition and details, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw umber · yellow ochre
Mix different shades of blue by adding white or ultramarine. Use raw umber to create darker tones and outlines. Yellow ochre can be mixed with blues to create the greenish hues.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification of form
- ·expressive line work
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and losing the cohesive palette.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-blending.
- →Making the outlines too uniform and losing the expressive quality.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·cerulean blue
- ·titanium white
- ·ultramarine blue
- ·raw umber
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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