plate no. 2361

Large Painting Representing a Landscape

Yves Tanguy, 1927

oil, canvasSurrealismlandscapelandscapeskyabstract formshorizoncloudspyramid

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, color blending, and creating surreal, dreamlike compositions. It also provides practice in rendering abstract shapes and forms with subtle shading.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the canvas with a neutral ground.
step 02
Sketch the basic composition, including the pyramid, horizon line, and placement of major forms.
step 03
Block in the sky with a gradient of blues and grays, blending smoothly.
step 04
Establish the horizontal bands of the landscape using light and dark values of beige and brown.
step 05
Paint the pyramid, paying attention to the light and shadow on its surfaces.
step 06
Add the abstract forms and details, using a variety of brushstrokes and blending techniques.
step 07
Create the small cloud-like shapes and other surreal elements in the sky and landscape.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black

Achieve the sky colors by mixing ultramarine blue, white, and a touch of raw umber. The landscape colors are created by mixing raw umber, yellow ochre, and white in varying proportions. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to some areas.

techniques