plate no. 4717
Paris dream
Max Ernst, 1925
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and color blocking, as well as understanding surrealist composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the horizon line.
- step 02
Draw the circular pattern in the sky.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, fading to white near the horizon.
- step 04
Begin filling in the building shapes with blocks of color, starting with the darker shades.
- step 05
Gradually add lighter and brighter colors to create variation and depth.
- step 06
Use a dry brush technique to add texture to the lower portion of the painting.
- step 07
Refine the details of the circular pattern in the sky.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · red · yellow · brown · blue
secondary · green · white · black
Mix various shades of brown by combining red, yellow, and black. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brush
- ·glazing
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors and losing vibrancy.
- →Creating overly uniform color blocks.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes.
- →Not capturing the surreal atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·acrylic paints
- ·canvas 12x16
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Using a textured canvas can enhance the dry brush effect.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
