plate no. 6618
Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise
James Ensor, 1887
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will develop skills in broken color techniques and creating atmospheric perspective using subtle color shifts. It will also help students understand how to suggest form with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into sky and landscape.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general placement of the figures and landscape elements.
- step 03
Block in the sky with light blues, yellows, and pinks, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 04
Paint the landscape with browns, greens, and yellows, varying the color intensity to create depth.
- step 05
Add the figures with light yellows and pinks, blending them into the surrounding light.
- step 06
Refine the details of the landscape, adding texture with dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the figures and landscape.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red light · sap green
Mix various shades of blue and yellow to create the sky. Use burnt umber and white to create earth tones. Mix small amounts of red into yellows and whites for the figures.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Using too much detail, losing the impressionistic effect.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Neglecting the importance of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the broken color effect. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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