plate no. 0403

L’Entracte de l’Apothéose

Leonor Fini, 1936

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfiguresnudewigsdesertsky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones, and creating a surreal atmosphere through subtle value changes and blending.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background sky and desert tones with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main figures with basic shapes and values, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Mix skin tones using a limited palette and apply them to the central figure, blending smoothly.
step 05
Develop the details of the figures, including facial features, hair, and clothing.
step 06
Add the wigs and other symbolic elements, paying attention to their texture and form.
step 07
Refine the values and details throughout the painting, creating depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism and surrealism of the scene.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white in varying proportions. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark background. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber for the red boot.

techniques