plate no. 1628
The Revolutionary
David Alfaro Siqueiros, 1957
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in monochromatic painting, value studies, and rendering textures with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying a sense of character.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a toned canvas with a mid-tone brown.
- step 02
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and bandolier using a light pencil or charcoal.
- step 03
Block in the darkest areas of the painting using a dark brown or burnt umber.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter tones to define the form and create highlights, gradually building up the values.
- step 05
Focus on capturing the texture of the hat and clothing using varied brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the facial features and add details to the bandolier.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
The painting relies heavily on mixing different values of brown. Use white to lighten the browns and black to darken them. Yellow ochre can be added to warm the browns.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·value layering
- ·monochromatic painting
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, which can result in a loss of texture.
- →Failing to establish a strong value range, leading to a flat image.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure incorrect.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone within the monochromatic palette.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
A toned canvas will help to establish the mid-tone value of the painting. Consider using a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes.
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