plate no. 2814
Boy And Butterfly
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and understanding how to depict surreal and symbolic imagery. Students will also learn to create a focal point through the use of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure, architectural elements, and butterfly.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall warm tones of the architecture and the cooler tones of the sky.
- step 03
Begin layering colors to create depth and texture in the architectural elements, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 04
Paint the figure, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone and the folds of the clothing.
- step 05
Add the butterfly, carefully rendering the details of its wings and body.
- step 06
Paint the scattered papers on the ground, using light and shadow to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Refine the details of the painting, including the windows, the figure's features, and the butterfly's wings.
- step 08
Add final touches of light and shadow to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre
Mix burnt umber and raw sienna for the warm tones of the architecture. Add ivory black to create shadows and ultramarine blue and titanium white for the sky. Use yellow ochre to add highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, which can result in a flat and lifeless painting.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow, which can make the painting look unrealistic.
- →Not paying attention to the details of the figure and the butterfly, which can detract from the overall composition.
- →Using too much paint, which can make the painting look muddy.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for the best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve their flow.
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