plate no. 1778
The Dream
Henri Rousseau, 1910
some experience helpful
This painting helps students practice layering techniques to create depth and detail, as well as rendering the human form in a stylized manner. Students will also learn to create a sense of atmosphere through color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, lions, and musician.
- step 02
Establish the background with dark greens and browns, creating a sense of depth.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the foliage, using varying shades of green.
- step 04
Paint the figure, paying attention to the highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 05
Add the lions, focusing on their facial features and fur texture.
- step 06
Paint the musician and the details of his clothing.
- step 07
Add the flowers and other details, such as the oranges and birds.
- step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · viridian green · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium orange
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · titanium white
Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or burnt umber. Create skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and alizarin crimson with titanium white.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, leading to a stiff and unnatural look.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth, resulting in a flat composition.
- →Inaccurate color mixing, leading to a muddy or unrealistic palette.
- →Ignoring the importance of highlights and shadows, resulting in a lack of form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (viridian green, burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium orange, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, titanium white)
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
