plate no. 8817
Commonplaces - Everyday
Max Ernst, 1971
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to represent different materials like wood, fabric, and stone.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the perspective.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background walls.
- step 03
Add the main elements: dress form, fireplace, mirror, and cat.
- step 04
Develop the details of the furniture and objects, focusing on their textures.
- step 05
Layer colors to create depth and shadows.
- step 06
Add the highlights and refine the details.
- step 07
Pay attention to the patterns on the walls and fireplace.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · gray · purple
secondary · red · gold · white · black
Mix various shades of yellow ochre and burnt umber for the walls and furniture. Use gray for the stone fireplace. Mix purple by combining red and blue.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·rendering textures
- ·creating depth
- ·hatching
common pitfalls
- →getting the perspective wrong
- →overworking the details
- →not creating enough contrast
- →using colors that are too bright
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas or paper
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
Use a variety of brush sizes to create different textures and details.
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