plate no. 1359

Obscure Games

Nina Tokhtaman Valetova, 2011

oil, linenMagic Realismsymbolic paintingfigureschesstennissnaketreeabstract

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color blocking, geometric abstraction, and creating a surreal composition. It also encourages experimentation with symbolic representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Divide the canvas into distinct color areas based on the original painting.
step 03
Begin filling in the largest areas with the dominant colors, working from dark to light.
step 04
Mix and apply secondary colors to create depth and variation within each area.
step 05
Refine the shapes and outlines of the figures and objects.
step 06
Add details like the chess pieces, tennis racket, and snake pattern.
step 07
Adjust the values and contrasts to match the original painting's mood.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the forms.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · orange · black

secondary · brown · green · white

Achieve variations in orange by mixing red and yellow in different ratios. Use black sparingly to create shadows and define outlines. Mix white with primary colors to create lighter tints.

techniques

·color blocking
·geometric abstraction
·layering
·blending
·outlining

common pitfalls

→Over-blending colors, losing the distinct color blocks.
→Inaccurate proportions of figures and objects.
→Ignoring the value contrasts, resulting in a flat image.
→Getting lost in details too early, before establishing the overall composition.