plate no. 6782
Landscape with Wheatgerm
Max Ernst, 1936
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in abstracting forms and using color to create depth and interest. Students will also learn to blend colors smoothly and create interesting textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky.
- step 03
Begin defining the abstract forms with darker and lighter values.
- step 04
Mix and apply secondary colors to add depth and complexity.
- step 05
Refine the details and edges of the forms.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
- step 07
Create texture in the foreground vegetation using short brushstrokes.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian green
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and use burnt umber to create darker shades of green and brown. Achieve the sky color by mixing cerulean blue with white and a touch of green.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·smooth blending
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·abstract form rendering
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →muddying the colors
- →losing the overall composition
- →inaccurate color mixing
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 inches) is recommended.
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