plate no. 3786
Dream of a Memory
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, rocks, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values with thin washes of blue.
- step 03
Begin layering in mid-tones, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
- step 04
Refine the form of the figure, paying attention to anatomy and subtle shifts in value.
- step 05
Add details to the rocks and landscape, creating texture with dry brush techniques.
- step 06
Soften edges and blend areas to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
- step 07
Glaze with thin layers of blue to unify the painting and enhance the monochromatic effect.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to emphasize form and create depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cerulean blue · titanium white
secondary · lamp black
Mix various shades of blue by combining ultramarine and cerulean with white. Use small amounts of black to create darker values, being careful not to muddy the colors. Glazes can be created by thinning the paint with a medium.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·monochromatic painting
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →overworking the blending
- →creating muddy colors
- →losing the sense of depth
- →making the figure too detailed compared to the background
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall value range.
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