plate no. 8786
Ternura
Oswaldo Guayasamin, 1989
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding how to use a limited color palette to create depth and emotion. It also provides practice in capturing expressive gestures and facial expressions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figures.
- step 03
Gradually build up the values and details in the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Define the facial features and hands, using darker tones to create depth and dimension.
- step 05
Add the linear details and outlines to emphasize the forms and create visual interest.
- step 06
Refine the edges and blend the colors as needed to create a cohesive and expressive image.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the contrast and create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · black · raw sienna
Mix yellow ochre with burnt umber to create the various skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and black for the background, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Add small amounts of raw sienna to warm up the yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy or incoherent palette.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth and dimension.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·yellow ochre paint
- ·ultramarine blue paint
- ·burnt umber paint
- ·black paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics are faster drying, while oils allow for more blending time.
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