plate no. 6667

The Subway

Jose Clemente Orozco, 1928

oil, canvasSocial Realismgenre paintingfiguressubwayurban sceneinteriorseatspoles

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in capturing a mood with a limited palette and loose brushwork. Students can develop skills in depicting figures in a dimly lit environment and creating a sense of depth with subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the main structural elements.
step 02
Establish the overall dark tones of the background and floor with a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the figures with simplified shapes, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 04
Add highlights to the poles and seats to create a sense of light and form.
step 05
Refine the details of the figures, focusing on capturing their posture and expression.
step 06
Use loose brushstrokes to suggest the textures of the clothing and the surrounding environment.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and black for the dark tones. Add white to create lighter values. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the shadows. Yellow ochre can be used to warm up the highlights.

techniques