plate no. 0188

Monument

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigureslandscaperocksskyhairsurreal

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones and landscapes, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also encourages exploration of surreal and symbolic imagery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, ground, and figures with thin washes.
step 03
Begin to build up the form of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, using a limited palette to create a sense of harmony.
step 05
Add details to the hair, faces, and hands of the figures.
step 06
Refine the landscape, adding texture and detail to the rocks and vegetation.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · viridian green

Mix blues and whites for the sky and some figures. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna with white for the warm-toned figure. Mix greens from blue and yellow, adjusting with white for highlights.

techniques