plate no. 6463
Prelude to a Civilization
Victor Brauner, 1954
encaustic, pencil, ink, masoniteSurrealismallegorical paintingfiguresanimalssymbolsabstracthorselandscape
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and creating a balanced composition with multiple elements. It also encourages experimentation with texture and layering.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the outline of the horse shape on the masonite board.
- step 02
Divide the horse shape into sections for the various figures and symbols.
- step 03
Sketch the individual figures and symbols within their allocated sections, focusing on simplified shapes.
- step 04
Apply a base layer of encaustic medium to the entire surface.
- step 05
Mix encaustic paints with desired colors and apply to the figures and symbols, layering colors to create depth.
- step 06
Use pencil and ink to add details and outlines to the figures and symbols.
- step 07
Create texture by stippling or dry brushing encaustic paint.
- step 08
Apply a final layer of encaustic medium to seal the painting.
color palette
primary · white · blue · green · yellow
secondary · red · brown · purple · orange
Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create variations in value.
techniques
- ·encaustic painting
- ·layering
- ·stippling
- ·dry brushing
- ·line drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified aesthetic.
- →Creating a muddy color palette by overmixing.
- →Not allowing encaustic layers to cool and harden properly.
- →Failing to plan the composition before starting to paint.
materials
surface · masonite board
required
- ·masonite board
- ·encaustic medium
- ·encaustic paints
- ·heat gun or hot plate
- ·wax paper
- ·pencils
- ·ink pens
- ·brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·scrapers
- ·encaustic gesso
- ·metal tools for texture
Ensure the masonite board is properly prepared with encaustic gesso or a similar primer to provide a good surface for the encaustic paint.
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