plate no. 7483

Grand carnival Ostendais

Felix Labisse, 1934

oilSurrealismgenre paintingfiguresmaskscrowdcostumesportraitscarnival

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and color mixing to achieve a surreal and expressive style. It also encourages exploration of character design and narrative.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Refine the individual figures, paying attention to the unique shapes and features of each character.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for each figure and background, using simplified shapes.
step 04
Begin blending and layering colors to create depth and form, focusing on smooth transitions.
step 05
Add details such as facial features, masks, and costumes, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Introduce highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figures.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive image.
step 08
Add final details and touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · orange · blue · white

secondary · green · yellow · brown · black

Achieve skin tones by mixing various shades of red, orange, and white. Use blues and greens to create shadows and depth. Mix browns and blacks for darker areas and outlines.

techniques