plate no. 2795

Les préliminaires d'unité

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigureabstractsymbolicgeometric shapesfisheye

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating textures with brushstrokes, and understanding abstract composition. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background.
step 02
Apply a base layer of ochre and white to the background, creating a textured effect.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure: green for the lower face, gray for the upper face, and red/white for the crown.
step 04
Add details to the crown, including the geometric patterns and blue 'spikes'.
step 05
Paint the eye and the small blue mouth.
step 06
Add the arms, fish, and hammer.
step 07
Define the checkered pattern on the lower body.
step 08
Outline the figure with dark paint to create definition.

color palette

primary · ochre · white · green · gray

secondary · red · blue · black

Achieve the ochre background by mixing yellow ochre with white and a touch of burnt umber. The gray can be mixed from black and white. The green can be mixed from blue and yellow.

techniques