plate no. 0064

Marlena Dietrich

oilSurrealismportraitportraitflowersfigurecalla liliesarchitecturesurrealism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending colors to create smooth transitions and rendering textures to simulate stone and floral surfaces. It also provides practice in creating surreal compositions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure, flowers, vase, and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figure, and flowers using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors to build up the form of the face and flowers, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Add details to the architectural elements, creating texture and depth with dry brushing.
step 05
Refine the shapes and colors of the flowers, focusing on the subtle variations in tone.
step 06
Develop the shadows and highlights on the vase to give it a three-dimensional appearance.
step 07
Add final details, such as the butterfly, and adjust the overall color balance.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · sap green · ivory black

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the stone texture. Use white to lighten the flower petals and red to create the vase color. Add small amounts of green and black for shadows and details.

techniques