plate no. 5507

Aurora

Remedios Varo, 1962

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigurestreesforestsurrealscrollsfantasy

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in glazing techniques to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding how to render complex textures and subtle color variations.

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 and proportions of the figures and trees.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of burnt sienna and umber, creating a warm, hazy atmosphere.
step 03
Begin layering the figures, starting with the darkest values and gradually building up highlights.
step 04
Pay close attention to the intricate details of the figures' clothing and features, using fine brushes.
step 05
Use dry brush techniques to create texture on the trees and ground.
step 06
Glaze thin layers of color to create depth and luminosity.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to the figures and background.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect the surface and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · payne's gray

Achieve the ethereal tones by mixing white with small amounts of umber and sienna. Use glazes of diluted colors to create depth and subtle shifts in hue.

techniques