plate no. 1176

Mémoire des fragments passés

Leonor Fini, 1984

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfiguresportraitssurrealdarksymbolicfantasy

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding how to depict figures in a surreal and dreamlike setting. It also encourages exploration of color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone.

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 and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the overall dark background using a mix of dark reds and browns.
step 03
Begin layering in the figures, starting with the darkest areas and gradually adding highlights.
step 04
Pay close attention to the subtle color variations in the skin tones and clothing.
step 05
Use thin glazes of color to create depth and luminosity.
step 06
Add details to the faces and clothing, using small brushes.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a dreamlike effect.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and add any final touches.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · alizarin crimson · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of blue. Use glazes of thinned paint to build up color and create depth.

techniques