plate no. 7312

Haunted City

oilSurrealismcityscapebuildingsstreetsnailcarnightlight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering subtle gradations of light and shadow, and in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in depicting textures, such as the rough surface of the buildings and the intricate details of the snail's shell.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective of the buildings and street.
step 02
Block in the main areas of light and shadow using thin washes of color.
step 03
Gradually build up the values, adding layers of paint to create depth and dimension.
step 04
Pay close attention to the way the light falls on the buildings and the snail, creating highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and architectural features.
step 06
Carefully render the snail, paying attention to the texture and form of its shell.
step 07
Add the car and other details in the background.
step 08
Refine the painting with final touches, adjusting the values and adding highlights to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · sap green · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of secondary colors. Use glazes of thinned paint to create subtle color variations and depth.

techniques