plate no. 0480

The Embalmed Forest

Max Ernst, 1933

oil, canvasSurrealismlandscapetreesforestskyfiguresurreallandscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering dark colors to create depth and using subtle color variations to suggest light and texture. It also encourages experimentation with abstract forms and surrealist imagery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the vertical lines of the trees and the placement of the arch in the sky.
step 02
Apply a dark underpainting using a mix of burnt umber and black, covering the entire canvas.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker tones of the trees, using vertical brushstrokes to create the impression of bark.
step 04
Add subtle variations in color to the trees, incorporating hints of red, yellow, and blue.
step 05
Paint the sky with a blend of blues, creating a soft, diffused effect.
step 06
Carefully add the arch in the sky, using a light, muted color palette.
step 07
Outline the figure with a light color, using dashed lines to create a ghostly effect.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the trees and sky, refining the overall composition.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · black · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · titanium white

Achieve the dark, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and black. Create subtle color variations by adding small amounts of red, yellow, or blue to the dark mixture.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·glazing
·linear perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Using too much bright color, which can detract from the painting's somber mood.
→Neglecting the importance of value contrast, which is essential for creating depth.
→Not allowing layers to dry completely before applying the next.