plate no. 3213
Amor che move il Sole et l'altre Stelle
Leonora Carrington, 1946
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing stylized figure drawing and composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, chariot, and horse.
- step 02
Establish the background with a wash of muted earth tones.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the chariot and figures with simplified colors.
- step 04
Develop the light source within the chariot, building up layers of yellow and white.
- step 05
Refine the details of the figures, paying attention to the drapery and proportions.
- step 06
Add texture to the chariot and surrounding landscape using dry brush techniques.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the composition and create depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · red · ultramarine blue
secondary · titanium white · raw umber · green
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to create highlights and thin glazes.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·stylized figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the overall atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium to thin the paints for glazing. Consider using a toned canvas to start.
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