plate no. 7966
La rencontre
Jacques Hérold, 1936
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop their skills in color mixing, blending, and creating smooth gradients, as well as understanding abstract forms and surrealist composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ground, and the main colors of the figures.
- step 03
Start refining the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the curves and contours.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, such as the lines and textures that define their forms.
- step 05
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each figure to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Work on the background, blending the sky colors and adding details to the ground and vegetation.
- step 07
Refine the edges and details throughout the painting, ensuring a smooth and polished finish.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall contrast and create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · cerulean blue · cadmium red · raw umber
secondary · sap green · titanium white · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and red by combining burnt sienna, cadmium red, and raw umber. Achieve the sky blue by mixing cerulean blue with titanium white. Use ivory black to create shadows and deepen colors.
techniques
- ·Blending
- ·Glazing
- ·Color mixing
- ·Smooth brushwork
- ·Creating gradients
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Not achieving smooth transitions between colors.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations within the figures.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Oil paints (burnt sienna, cerulean blue, cadmium red, raw umber, sap green, titanium white, ivory black)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Ensure proper ventilation when working with oil paints and solvents.
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