plate no. 0102

Absolute Glass Machine of Life

Lubo Kristek, 1976

oil, woodSurrealismsymbolic paintingportraitslandscapesurrealmachinerystill lifeflower

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in glazing, creating atmospheric perspective, and rendering complex forms with subtle tonal variations. It will also improve their understanding of surrealist composition and symbolic representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the portraits and the central machinery.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad strokes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the portraits, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the machinery, using thin glazes to build up the forms.
step 05
Develop the facial features of the portraits, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression.
step 06
Add the flower and other still life elements, paying attention to their texture and form.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Umber · Sap Green

Achieve the muted greens by mixing Prussian Blue, Yellow Ochre, and a touch of Burnt Umber. Use Titanium White to create highlights and lighten the overall tones.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·tonal blending
·rendering form

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the painting process.
→Failing to establish a strong sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Inaccurate proportions in the portraits.
→Muddying the colors by overmixing.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x36
·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Yellow Ochre, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Sap Green)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Assorted round and flat brushes (#2, #4, #6)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Rags