plate no. 9232
Study for Totem Landscape of My Childhood
Wolfgang Paalen, 1937
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice blending techniques to create smooth gradients and to explore creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn about surrealist art and how to create dreamlike imagery.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the abstract figure, the moon, and the distant building.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ground, and figure using diluted paint.
- step 03
Begin blending the colors in the sky to create a smooth gradient from darker at the top to lighter near the horizon.
- step 04
Add details to the ground, focusing on creating depth through variations in color and value.
- step 05
Paint the moon, starting with a dark base and gradually adding highlights to create a glowing effect.
- step 06
Refine the abstract figure, paying attention to the shapes and lines that define its form.
- step 07
Add details to the distant building, keeping it soft and blurred to create a sense of distance.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Yellow Ochre
secondary · Burnt Umber · Cadmium Yellow · Ultramarine Blue
Mix Prussian blue and titanium white for the sky. Use yellow ochre and white for the moon. Add burnt umber to blue for darker shadows in the landscape.
techniques
- ·Blending
- ·Glazing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
- ·Scumbling
- ·Dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the blending, resulting in muddy colors.
- →Failing to create enough contrast in the moon, making it appear flat.
- →Making the distant building too detailed, which will flatten the perspective.
- →Not diluting the paint enough in the initial layers, leading to thick, uneven textures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Titanium white, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber)
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brush (size 8)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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