plate no. 1279

All the lights

Paul Delvaux, 1962

oil, canvasSurrealismcityscapefiguresstreetbuildingtreesnightlamps

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures like lace and stone, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through value and color.

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 perspective of the street and the placement of the figures and building.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the dark sky, the building's red brick, and the overall tones of the street.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes of the trees and branches, paying attention to their intricate structure against the night sky.
step 04
Add the details of the building, including the windows, trim, and architectural elements.
step 05
Paint the figures, focusing on the folds and details of their dresses and the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 06
Render the cobblestone street, using variations in color and value to create texture and depth.
step 07
Add the lamps and their light, paying attention to the way the light illuminates the surrounding areas.
step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark tones of the night sky and shadows. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber and a touch of black for the building's brick.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·rendering textures
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Inaccurately rendering the light and shadow, resulting in a flat or unrealistic appearance.
→Not capturing the subtle color variations in the night sky and shadows.