plate no. 8853

Uncle Miseries

Jose Gutierrez Solana, 1933

oilExpressionismallegorical paintingskeletonsfiguremanhatrobescythe

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly skeletal anatomy, and in creating a somber mood through limited color palettes and strong value contrasts. Students will also practice creating texture through line work and cross-hatching.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Refine the skeletal anatomy, focusing on accurate bone structure and joint placement.
step 03
Sketch the figure of the man, paying attention to the folds of his clothing and his posture.
step 04
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or black.
step 05
Gradually build up the mid-tones using lighter shades of brown and ochre.
step 06
Add details such as facial features, clothing patterns, and the scythe.
step 07
Use cross-hatching and line work to create texture and depth.
step 08
Adjust values and details to create a cohesive and expressive composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · black

secondary · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and black for the darkest shadows. Use raw sienna and yellow ochre for the background and highlights on the figures. Vary the proportions to create subtle tonal shifts.

techniques