plate no. 1176
Peacocks of Chen
Leonora Carrington, 1971
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding surrealist composition and symbolism. It also encourages experimentation with unique color combinations and imaginative subject matter.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the central spiral and the surrounding figures.
- step 02
Establish the background washes with diluted earth tones, creating a sense of atmosphere.
- step 03
Begin layering colors on the central spiral, gradually building up the detail and luminosity.
- step 04
Paint the peacock-like figures, paying attention to their unique shapes and textures.
- step 05
Add details to the figures, including the feathers, faces, and any other embellishments.
- step 06
Introduce the smaller details in the foreground and background, such as the plants and other creatures.
- step 07
Refine the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a cohesive and dreamlike effect.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · sap green · alizarin crimson · titanium white
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with blues and greens. Use white to create highlights and lighter shades of the existing colors.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and bright.
- →Losing the sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
- ·soft cloths
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Using a toned canvas can help establish the base color and create a more unified effect.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
