plate no. 8864

La Thebaide

Felix Labisse, 1978

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfiguresmountainsskycavebirdslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending smooth gradients and creating a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in rendering skin tones and simplified anatomical forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figures and the mountain range, paying attention to proportions and composition.
step 02
Establish the background sky with a smooth, even layer of light blue.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the mountains with light gray and white, defining the major planes and shadows.
step 04
Begin layering the skin tones of the figures, starting with a base of dark blue and gradually adding highlights with lighter blues and grays.
step 05
Refine the details of the figures' faces, hair, and bodies, paying attention to subtle variations in tone and texture.
step 06
Add details to the mountains, such as crevices, shadows, and highlights, to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Paint the cave entrance with dark browns and reds, adding a hint of light to suggest depth.
step 08
Add the finishing touches, such as the birds in the sky and any other small details.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · light grey

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red · light blue

Mix various shades of blue and grey by combining ultramarine blue, titanium white, and a touch of burnt umber. Use cadmium red and burnt umber for the cave details.

techniques