plate no. 9333

Codex Seraphinianus

Luigi Serafini, 1981

oilSurrealismillustrationtreeslandscapesurrealplantsgroundshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating depth through size and placement, and in rendering consistent textures across a large area. It also encourages imaginative color choices and surreal composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the larger trees, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Add the smaller trees and details, paying attention to their distribution and perspective.
step 03
Begin painting the ground with a base layer of yellow ochre, gradually adding variations in tone and texture.
step 04
Paint the tree trunks with a mix of burnt sienna and red, varying the tones to create depth and form.
step 05
Paint the tree foliage with different shades of green, using short, textured brushstrokes to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add shadows to the trees and ground to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and ground, adding highlights and shadows as needed.
step 08
Add final details to the ground, such as small plants and debris.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · green · burnt sienna

secondary · red · dark green · light yellow

Mix different shades of green by combining primary green with yellow and blue. Achieve earthy tones by mixing yellow ochre with burnt sienna and a touch of red.

techniques