plate no. 8395
Phases of the Moon II
Paul Delvaux, 1941
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create a sense of depth using value and color. It also provides practice in rendering figures in a dimly lit environment.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the doorway.
- step 02
Establish the dark background tones using a mix of dark browns and blues.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to proportions.
- step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the figures, using lighter tones of browns and creams.
- step 05
Paint the moonlit landscape visible through the doorway, focusing on creating a sense of distance.
- step 06
Add details to the figures, such as facial features and clothing folds.
- step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting, creating a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the skulls on the shelf and the texture of the floorboards.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue
Mix ivory black with raw umber and a touch of ultramarine to create the deep shadows. Use yellow ochre and titanium white to create the highlights, and add small amounts of burnt umber for warmth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Making the shadows too flat and lacking depth.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of atmosphere.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of unity.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 24x36
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use a high-quality canvas and oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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