plate no. 3646

Jack be Nimble, Jack be Quick

Leonora Carrington, 1970

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigurescandlesurrealsymbolicfantasyarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding surrealist composition and symbolism. It also encourages experimentation with texture and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the central floating figure.
step 02
Establish the background color with thin washes of browns and grays, building up layers to create depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with muted tones, paying attention to the light source (the candle).
step 04
Develop the floating figure, focusing on its unique form and the subtle color variations in its clothing.
step 05
Add details to the figures, including the facial features and the objects they are holding.
step 06
Create the glowing effect around the candle using soft blending techniques.
step 07
Paint the architectural elements in the background, adding the symbolic motifs.
step 08
Refine the details and add final touches to enhance the overall atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · payne's gray

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

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

techniques