plate no. 8088

Pupae to Toledo

Andre Masson, 1935

oilSurrealismlandscapecityscapelandscaperocksskyinsectsfantasy

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to depict surreal and imaginative landscapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the city, rocks, and sky.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, city, and foreground.
step 03
Begin layering colors in the sky to create the swirling, cloudy effect.
step 04
Add details to the city, focusing on the architectural elements.
step 05
Develop the texture of the rocks and foreground with layered colors and dry brushing.
step 06
Paint the insect-like creatures, paying attention to their unique shapes and colors.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · violet · titanium white

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and burnt umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques