plate no. 3393
The Day of the Dead
Diego Rivera, 1924
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting large crowds and creating a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering figures with varied skin tones and clothing.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
1
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes and areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 03
Begin to define the individual figures in the crowd, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 04
Add details to the skeletons and their instruments, using thin washes of color.
- step 05
Refine the details of the foreground figures, including their clothing and facial features.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the figures and objects.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a cohesive look.
color palette
primary · ochre · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of blue to darken the shadows.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details of the crowd and losing the overall composition.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can detract from the muted tones of the painting.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not capturing the unique character of each figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
- ·pencil
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for best results. Acrylic paints are easier to work with for beginners, but oil paints offer richer colors and a longer working time.
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