plate no. 7913

De la hierba santa

Leonora Carrington, 1975

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigureplantanimallandscapecityscapesymbol

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding how to depict surreal and symbolic imagery. It also encourages experimentation with texture and detail within a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, plant, and animal.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of yellow and brown, creating a soft, diffused light.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the figure and the lighter values of the animal, paying attention to their forms.
step 04
Begin layering colors on the plant leaves, using blues and greens to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Add details to the figure, including the flower on its head and the bell in its chest.
step 06
Refine the animal's form and add decorative details.
step 07
Develop the landscape elements in the background, using muted tones and soft brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten values and create subtle gradations. Mix blues and yellows for the greens of the plant.

techniques