plate no. 9015
The Artist Traveling Incognito
Leonora Carrington, 1949
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 subjects.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, parrot, and cat.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light blue-grey wash, allowing it to dry.
- step 03
Establish the main color masses for the figure's dress and shawl, using thin layers of paint.
- step 04
Add details to the face and hair, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
- step 05
Paint the parrot in the cage, focusing on capturing its bright green color.
- step 06
Add the white cat, using thin layers of white paint and subtle shadows.
- step 07
Refine the details of the dress, adding texture and highlights.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall color balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · alizarin crimson
secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to create highlights and thin glazes to build up color depth.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors and creating muddy tones.
- →Losing the initial sketch and proportions.
- →Applying paint too thickly.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, while oils allow for more subtle blending and layering.
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