plate no. 5362
Portefeuille (Pocketbook)
Dorothea Tanning, 1946
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create texture and rendering a figure with drapery in a surreal context. It also encourages exploration of symbolic representation through visual elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the door/book, figure, and background, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Apply a base layer of color to the background, using a textured brushstroke technique with red and orange.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the door, book, and figure, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 04
Develop the details of the door, including the panels and hardware, using darker shades for shadows and highlights for form.
- step 05
Refine the figure and dress, paying attention to the folds and drapery, using thin glazes of color.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to the book pages to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Create the subtle details within the book/doorway, using lighter values and thin washes.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and surreal composition.
color palette
primary · red · brown · white
secondary · blue · black · orange
Achieve the textured red background by mixing red with touches of orange and brown. The dress color is achieved by mixing white with small amounts of red and brown.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure
- →Ignoring the textured brushwork
- →Not capturing the surreal atmosphere
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints (red, brown, white, blue, black, orange)
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Using a textured canvas can enhance the effect of the dry brushing technique. Consider using a medium to slow the drying time of the paints, allowing for more blending.
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