The Party at the Tavern 

Luis Ricardo Falero painted ‘The Party at the Tavern’ using traditional oil paints and brushes. Falero’s choice of oil paint allowed for a high level of detail, seen in the textures of the clothing, the musical instruments, and the faces of the figures. Notice how the loose brushstrokes create a sense of movement and energy, enlivening the tavern scene. The making of oil paint involves grinding pigments with oil, a labor-intensive task. Skilled mixing is essential to achieve the desired colors and consistency. The application of oil paint is also labor-intensive, requiring careful layering and blending to achieve the desired effect, thus capturing the essence of social gatherings in the late 19th century. Ultimately, understanding the amount of work and the qualities of the materials involved gives us a closer connection to Falero’s artistic practice. It also underlines the value society places on artistic skill.