plate no. 8518

Winter

Jose Clemente Orozco, 1932

oil, canvasSocial Realismgenre paintingfigurescoatshatscityscapestreetwalking

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using a limited palette to create mood. It also provides practice in layering and creating subtle variations in tone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background and the coats, using a thin wash.
step 03
Begin to define the shapes of the figures with darker values, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Add highlights to the coats and hats to create form and dimension.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces and hands, keeping them simple and expressive.
step 06
Add subtle color variations to the coats and background to create depth and interest.
step 07
Define the edges of the figures with darker outlines to create separation.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix raw umber and ultramarine blue to create the cool grays and blues of the coats and background. Add titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to the figures' skin tones and coats.

techniques