plate no. 3126
Tehuana Women
Diego Rivera, 1923
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color blocking, and creating a sense of depth through layering and simplified forms. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a subject with minimal detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the figures, clothing, and background.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and add details to the faces and hands.
- step 04
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and volume.
- step 05
Paint the fruit basket and other details, paying attention to their textures.
- step 06
Define the architectural elements with clean lines and subtle shading.
- step 07
Add the foliage and background details, using varying shades of green.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium yellow · raw umber · titanium white
Mix browns and earth tones by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Vary the intensity of colors by adding small amounts of complementary colors.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified shading
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details and losing the simplified style.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, 6
- ·flat brush size 8
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending. Acrylic paints are recommended for their fast drying time and ease of use.
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