plate no. 0785
Le point tombé
Theo Gerber, 1970
oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingabstract shapesorganic formssurreal landscapecolor fieldsorbsgradients
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, blending, and creating smooth gradients between colors. It will also encourage experimentation with abstract composition and organic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 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 background.
- step 03
Begin blending the colors within each shape, creating smooth transitions.
- step 04
Add details and smaller shapes, paying attention to the relationships between colors.
- step 05
Refine the edges of the shapes and add highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Create the orbs by using a circular template and adding gradients.
- step 07
Add the small dots and details to the orbs and shapes.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow · blue · orange · brown
secondary · green · purple · pink
Achieve the various hues by mixing primary colors with white and black. Use glazes to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·color blending
- ·glazing
- ·gradient application
- ·shape definition
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →over-blending and losing definition
- →muddying the colors
- →inaccurate color mixing
- →uneven gradients
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·water container
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·glazing medium
- ·varnish
Use high-quality acrylic paints for best results. Consider using a retarder medium to slow the drying time and allow for more blending.
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