plate no. 5853

The Return of the Indian

Jose Gutierrez Solana, 1924

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfigurestableinteriorfooddogpainting

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict figures in a dimly lit environment and how to create a sense of depth using value and color temperature. It also provides practice in rendering textures and details in a complex scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the table.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and objects, paying attention to their proportions and relationships.
step 04
Start building up the details of the faces, clothing, and objects, using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands, paying attention to the expressions and gestures.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Use burnt umber and ivory black to create a range of dark tones. Mix raw sienna and yellow ochre for warmer highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium red light for subtle color variations in the faces and clothing.

techniques