plate no. 1725
Adieu vieux monde
Mimi Parent, 1991
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering light and shadow on complex forms, as well as creating a surreal and symbolic composition. It also encourages experimentation with texture and geometric abstraction.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes: the figure, the cityscape, the sphere, and the fractured ground.
- step 02
Establish the background color and the general color scheme for the cityscape, using a limited palette of muted colors.
- step 03
Block in the basic shapes of the fractured ground, paying attention to perspective and the way the light interacts with the facets.
- step 04
Start building up the values on the figure, focusing on the highlights and shadows to create depth and form.
- step 05
Paint the sphere, carefully rendering the light source and the internal structure.
- step 06
Add the bird, paying attention to its form and how it interacts with the light.
- step 07
Refine the details of the cityscape, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · gray · white · light blue
secondary · red · orange · green · purple
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors with white and gray. Use glazes to create subtle color variations and depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·rendering light
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the color palette.
- →Losing the sense of depth and perspective in the fractured ground.
- →Failing to create a convincing light source.
- →Getting lost in the details and neglecting the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (small and medium)
- ·Flat brushes (small and medium)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
- ·Easel
Use a smooth canvas to allow for detailed rendering. Consider using a toned ground to unify the colors.
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