plate no. 9792

Carrot and Parsnip

Piroska Szanto, 1986

pastelSurrealismsymbolic paintingcarrotparsnipfiguresvegetablesclothingblack background

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for practicing layering pastels and creating simple figures. Students can learn to represent textures with visible strokes and create a focal point through contrast.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the carrot and parsnip figures, paying attention to their proportions and placement on the dark background.
step 02
Block in the main colors for each figure: orange for the carrot, white for the parsnip, pink for the skin, and green for the leaves.
step 03
Add details to the faces, such as eyes, mouths, and rosy cheeks, using small, controlled strokes.
step 04
Create the plaid patterns on the aprons and sleeves, using a combination of red, blue, and white pastels.
step 05
Layer additional colors to create depth and dimension in the figures, such as highlights and shadows.
step 06
Refine the edges of the figures and add any final details, such as the bow on the carrot's apron.
step 07
Use a blending stump or your finger to gently blend some of the colors together, creating a softer effect.
step 08
Preserve the pastel painting with a fixative spray.