plate no. 5488

Santos y Guardianes

Xul Solar, 1949

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingfiguresmountainsladderscylindersarchitecturesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction, color layering, and creating a surreal atmosphere. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow on simple forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figures and cylinders.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general shapes of the mountains in the background.
step 03
Block in the main colors for the sky, mountains, and cylinders, using thin washes.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and dimension in the mountains and cylinders.
step 05
Add details to the figures, focusing on their expressions and gestures.
step 06
Paint the ladders, paying attention to their perspective and placement.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · light blue · ochre · grey · brown

secondary · pink · yellow · purple

Mix light blues by adding white to a deeper blue. Achieve the ochre tones by mixing yellow, brown, and a touch of red. Use thin washes of color to build up depth and luminosity.

techniques