plate no. 9774

Palaestra

Dorothea Tanning, 1947

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfiguresinteriorhallwaydressesshadowdoor

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex figures in perspective and understanding subtle color relationships to create depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and creating a surreal, dreamlike quality.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective of the hallway and the placement of the figures.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the walls, floor, and figures, using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the values and details in the figures, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Develop the details of the dresses and fabric, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 05
Add the details of the hallway, including the doors, shadows, and other elements.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, ensuring a harmonious and balanced composition.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a luminous effect.

color palette

primary · red ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix various shades of skin tones using red ochre, white, and a touch of yellow ochre or burnt umber. Achieve the pale blues of the fabric by mixing white with a small amount of ultramarine blue.

techniques