plate no. 2236

Les presage de la guerre

Felix Labisse, 1940

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigurestreeslandscapedraperysurrealsky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and understanding how to depict complex drapery and figures in a surreal setting. It also encourages exploration of symbolic representation in art.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures, trees, and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the ground.
step 03
Develop the figures, paying attention to the drapery and the subtle shading.
step 04
Add details to the trees, including the branches and the leaves.
step 05
Refine the background elements, such as the scrolls and the distant figures.
step 06
Add the smaller details, like the candle, the sword, and the red threads.
step 07
Adjust the values and the colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the forms.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Cadmium red · Yellow ochre

Mix blues and whites for the sky, umbers and ochres for the ground, and reds and umbers for the drapery. Use white to create highlights and add depth to colors.

techniques