plate no. 7450
The Sisters
Fernando Botero, 1969
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will develop skills in figure drawing with exaggerated proportions and understanding how to create a sense of volume using subtle shading. It also provides practice in capturing the unique textures of fabrics and fur.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and objects.
- step 02
Establish the background colors and major planes of the composition.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures, focusing on skin tones and clothing.
- step 04
Start building volume by adding shadows and highlights to the figures, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Add details to the faces, clothing patterns, and other elements.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and contours of the figures, adjusting proportions as needed.
- step 07
Paint the cats, paying attention to their unique poses and fur textures.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Mix various shades of skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the darker browns and blacks for clothing and shadows. Add small amounts of cadmium red to create pinkish hues for the skin and details.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·contour shading
- ·exaggerated proportions
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Struggling with the unique proportions of the figures.
- →Not achieving smooth transitions between colors.
- →Failing to capture the subtle textures of the fabrics and fur.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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