plate no. 5415

Still life Reslicitando

Remedios Varo, 1963

oilSurrealismstill lifestill lifetablecandlefruitplatesarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering draped fabric, creating atmospheric perspective, and understanding surrealist composition. Students will also practice creating a sense of depth and light using subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the table's central swirl and the placement of the candle and fruit.
step 02
Block in the background architecture with a textured, dry-brush technique using earth tones.
step 03
Establish the base color for the tablecloth, then add layers of highlights and shadows to create the folds and drapery.
step 04
Paint the candle and candlestick, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
step 05
Carefully render the fruit and plates, focusing on their shapes and colors.
step 06
Create the ethereal rings around the candle using soft, blended brushstrokes and light, shimmering colors.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the small insects and any subtle highlights.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · sap green · cadmium yellow

Achieve the subtle variations in the tablecloth by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt umber and white. Create the ethereal glow by mixing white with small amounts of yellow and blue.

techniques

·draping
·dry brushing
·glazing
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overtly bright colors can ruin the muted, dreamlike atmosphere.
→Simplifying the folds of the fabric too much will make it look flat.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the fruit will make them look unrealistic.
→Not achieving a smooth blend in the ethereal rings will make them look harsh.