plate no. 2543
The Woman with Red Mask
Rufino Tamayo, 1940
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color blocking and simplification of form. It also provides practice in creating a mood with a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and instrument.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of red, black, and background color.
- step 03
Develop the red mask on the face, paying attention to the planes.
- step 04
Add details to the instrument, using white for highlights and strings.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the figure and chair, adding subtle variations in tone.
- step 06
Create texture in the background with short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add the small details like the circles on the chest.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall balance of color and value.
color palette
primary · cadmium red · ivory black · burnt sienna
secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre
Mix different shades of red by adding black or burnt sienna. Use white to create highlights and lighter tones.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·simplification of form
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors
- →Getting lost in details too early
- →Not simplifying the forms enough
- →Using too many colors
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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