plate no. 8179

Les etrangers

Wolfgang Paalen, 1937

oilSurrealismlandscapelandscapeabstract formsrock formationsskygroundsurreal

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering, creating depth with atmospheric perspective, and rendering complex, abstract forms with subtle value changes. It also encourages experimentation with texture and expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the rock formations and the horizon line.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted burnt umber or raw sienna to establish the overall tonal values.
step 03
Begin layering darker values to define the shadows and crevices within the rock formations.
step 04
Introduce lighter values to create highlights and suggest form.
step 05
Use dry brush techniques to add texture and detail to the rocks and ground.
step 06
Mix subtle variations of gray and brown to create depth and atmospheric perspective.
step 07
Add small details and highlights with a fine brush to enhance the surreal quality.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the various shades of gray and brown by mixing burnt umber and raw sienna with white. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to cool the tones and yellow ochre to warm them.

techniques