plate no. 9492

Cinco Melodias

Xul Solar, 1949

oilSurrealismlandscapemountainsfiguresskybuildingstreessun

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle gradations and in creating a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It will also encourage experimentation with surreal and imaginative compositions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, buildings, and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish a light underpainting with diluted washes of yellow and orange for the sky.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the mountains, starting with the lighter tones and gradually building up the darker shades.
step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the buildings, ensuring they contrast with the surrounding mountains.
step 05
Paint the figures using simple shapes and colors, focusing on their placement within the landscape.
step 06
Add the details of the paths and other linear elements, using a fine brush.
step 07
Refine the colors and values of the entire painting, adjusting the contrasts and harmonies as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red-brown · blue-purple · yellow

secondary · green · orange · white

Achieve the mountain colors by mixing red-brown with blues and purples, and varying the amount of white for highlights. The sky is a blend of yellows and oranges, diluted with water for a soft effect.

techniques