plate no. 5949
La demande en mariage
Felix Labisse, 1929
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, color mixing for skin tones, and creating smooth gradients. It also encourages exploration of surrealist composition and symbolic representation.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, tree, and other elements.
- step 02
Block in the background with a base layer of blue, gradually adding lighter and darker shades to create depth.
- step 03
Paint the tree trunk using brown tones, blending to create a smooth, rounded effect.
- step 04
Mix skin tones for the figures, using a combination of white, yellow, and red. Apply these colors in thin layers, blending to create smooth transitions.
- step 05
Paint the details of the figures, including the facial features, hands, and clothing.
- step 06
Add the floating hand and sphere, using light blues and greens to create a sense of transparency.
- step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches, such as highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · payne's gray
Skin tones can be achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. The blue background is a mix of ultramarine blue and white, with Payne's gray added for darker areas. The green sphere is created with viridian green and white.
techniques
- ·smooth blending
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
- ·figure drawing
- ·creating gradients
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Incorrect proportions in the figures.
- →Uneven blending, creating a streaky effect.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
- ·easel
Use high-quality paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will make blending easier.
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