plate no. 7891
The Dream
Franz Marc, 1912
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the main elements: figure, horses, lion, and building.
- step 02
Divide the background into geometric planes, paying attention to the angles and proportions.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and building.
- step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the figure, focusing on the subtle variations in skin tone.
- step 05
Add details to the animals and building, simplifying their forms and using bold brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes of the geometric planes, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to color, value, or composition.
color palette
primary · yellow · red · green · blue
secondary · orange · brown · black
Mix greens by blending blues and yellows. Achieve skin tones by mixing reds, yellows, and browns. Use black sparingly to darken colors.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification of form
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the forms and details.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to simplify the composition and create a clear focal point.
- →Not paying attention to the relationships between colors and values.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (yellow, red, green, blue, orange, brown, black, white)
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
Use good quality acrylic paints for best results. Consider using a medium to extend the drying time and improve blending.
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