plate no. 9949
Personatge Assegut
Joan Ponc, 1950
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in creating a surreal atmosphere through color and composition. Students can learn to simplify forms and use limited color palettes to create a cohesive and dreamlike scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition: the figure, building, moon, and dog.
- step 02
Block in the dark background using a mix of dark blues, browns, and blacks.
- step 03
Establish the light source (moon) and begin to define the highlights on the building and figure.
- step 04
Paint the building using warm tones like burnt sienna and yellow ochre, blending to create soft edges.
- step 05
Paint the figure in red, adding details to the clothing and face.
- step 06
Add the dog with green and brown hues.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust values to create depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the surreal effect.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · red
secondary · yellow ochre · green · black
Mix dark browns and blues for the background. Use white to lighten the red and yellow ochre for highlights. Mix green by combining blue and yellow.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified, surreal effect.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can detract from the dreamlike quality.
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figure and building.
- →Uneven color mixing leading to muddy tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for blending and layering. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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