plate no. 0027

Host of the 4th Dimension (Red Angel)

Leon Underwood, 1927

oilExpressionismsymbolic paintingfigureangelwingsabstractsymbolicsurreal

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color mixing with a limited palette, and creating a sense of depth through layering and blending.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and wings, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of blue, varying the shades for depth.
step 03
Establish the base color for the figure using a mix of reds, oranges, and yellows.
step 04
Begin layering in shadows and highlights on the figure to define form.
step 05
Paint the wings, blending the red, white, and blue to create a sense of movement.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and hands, paying attention to expression.
step 07
Add final touches to the background and wings, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish to protect the painting.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · burnt sienna

Achieve the flesh tones by mixing cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of white. Vary the proportions for highlights and shadows. The wing colors are created by blending the primary colors with white.

techniques