plate no. 7524

Goethe or the metamorphosis of plants

Andre Masson, 1940

oilSurrealismportraitportraitfigureplantssurrealgeometric shapesleaves

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating abstract forms, and understanding surrealist composition. It also encourages experimentation with combining representational and non-representational elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the two figures and the major geometric elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of light blue and gray, allowing for some variation in tone.
step 03
Begin blocking in the main shapes of the figures with darker values, paying attention to the contrast between light and shadow.
step 04
Start adding the plant-like details and geometric patterns within the figures, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, focusing on the contours and features.
step 06
Add the small geometric shapes and color accents in the background to create visual interest.
step 07
Adjust the overall balance of the painting, making sure that the colors and values are harmonious.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White · Burnt Sienna

secondary · Cadmium Yellow · Viridian Green · Alizarin Crimson

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of blue, brown, and black. Create greens by mixing yellow and blue, and oranges by mixing yellow and red.

techniques