plate no. 2832
Temptation of St. Anthony
Max Ernst, 1945
advanced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in complex composition, layering, and creating surreal textures. It also encourages experimentation with color and imaginative subject matter.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
1
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a rough sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the background sky and water with broad washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and architectural structures, using a limited palette of earth tones and muted colors.
- step 04
Begin to add details to the figures and structures, focusing on creating a sense of depth and texture.
- step 05
Introduce highlights and shadows to create contrast and dimension.
- step 06
Layer in details of the monsters and surreal elements, paying attention to their intricate forms.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using glazes to create depth. Mix ultramarine blue with burnt umber to create darks, and add white for highlights.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early without establishing the overall composition.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can detract from the painting's somber mood.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the spontaneity of the initial sketch.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, viridian, titanium white)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color palette.
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