plate no. 6323
Operation Wednesday
Leonora Carrington, 1969
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 surreal and symbolic imagery. Students will also learn to create a unified composition with multiple elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and key objects.
- step 02
Establish the background with a wash of muted purples, grays, and browns, allowing for subtle variations in tone.
- step 03
Block in the main figures with their respective base colors: white for the figures on the left and right, and dark gray/black for the central figure.
- step 04
Begin layering colors on the figures, adding highlights and shadows to create form and dimension. Pay attention to the subtle shifts in color within the white garments.
- step 05
Develop the details of the central figure, including the veil, the eye, and the pipe. Use thin glazes to build up the dark tones.
- step 06
Add the smaller elements such as the owl, the skeleton, and the laboratory equipment, paying attention to their placement and scale.
- step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle details and textures to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · dioxazine purple
secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red · cerulean blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and umber. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and atmosphere.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Losing the overall composition by focusing too much on individual elements.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified background.
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