plate no. 8795

Funeral Symphony (V)

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, 1903

pastel, paperSymbolismsymbolic paintingskeletonfiguresskymoonlandscapecoffin

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with pastels and creating atmospheric perspective. It will also encourage expressive mark-making and simplification of forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the coffin, the skeleton, the figures, and the background elements.
step 02
Establish the base colors for the sky, the ground, and the large rock formation.
step 03
Begin layering darker tones to define the shapes and create shadows, especially on the coffin and the figures.
step 04
Add highlights to the skeleton and the figures to create contrast and depth.
step 05
Develop the background details, such as the trees and the distant hills, using soft pastel strokes.
step 06
Refine the details of the skeleton, including the ribcage and the scythe.
step 07
Blend the colors softly to create a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Yellow ochre

secondary · Titanium white · Sap green

Mix Prussian blue and white for the sky. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the ground and rock, adding green for shadows. White is used to highlight the skeleton and figures.

techniques