plate no. 3366

Funeral Symphony (VII)

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, 1903

pastel, paperSymbolismsymbolic paintingfigurewindowinteriorsymbolicrobe

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create a sense of depth using subtle color variations. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a simplified, symbolic manner.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the figure and window placements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of blue and purple tones to the background.
step 03
Block in the figure with a base layer of muted brown and gray.
step 04
Define the window frames with lighter, warmer tones.
step 05
Gradually build up the values in the background, creating subtle shifts in color and tone.
step 06
Add details to the figure, focusing on the folds of the robe and the suggestion of form.
step 07
Refine the edges and add subtle highlights to create depth.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Umber · Titanium White

secondary · Purple · Yellow Ochre

Mix Prussian Blue and Burnt Umber to achieve the deep blues and purples. Use Titanium White to lighten and create highlights. Yellow Ochre can be added in small amounts to create warmer tones.

techniques