plate no. 3504

Messaging

Paul Delvaux, 1980

oil, canvasSurrealismgenre paintingfiguresarchitecturecityscapetreestramlantern

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures with drapery and understanding linear perspective to create depth in a cityscape. Students will also learn to create a surreal atmosphere through color and composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective lines of the architecture and the placement of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background cityscape, starting with the sky and distant buildings.
step 03
Establish the values and colors of the figures, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on their clothing.
step 04
Add details to the architecture, including the columns, arches, and windows.
step 05
Refine the details of the figures' faces and clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Paint the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 07
Add the tram and the lantern, paying attention to their details and their placement in the composition.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to create a cohesive and surreal atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red

Achieve the muted tones by mixing white with small amounts of raw umber, ivory black, and touches of yellow ochre or cerulean blue. Use glazes of diluted color to create subtle shifts in tone and depth.

techniques