plate no. 6701
Illustration to "Mainacht in Vienna", Leo Perutz
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding surrealist composition and creating organic forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the main elements.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of yellow and green.
- step 03
Block in the dark areas of the plants and architectural elements with dark green and brown.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter greens and blues to define the shapes of the leaves and flowers.
- step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, using browns, grays, and highlights.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and textures of the plants, paying attention to the subtle color variations.
- step 07
Add the small details, such as the red accents and the highlights on the flowers.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · yellow · green · brown · dark green
secondary · blue · red · gray
Mix greens by blending yellow and blue, and create depth by layering dark greens and browns. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the overall composition in the details.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (small and medium)
- ·Flat brushes (small and medium)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, but oils will allow for more subtle blending.
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