plate no. 9338
The Eye of Silence
Max Ernst, 1943
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how to create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere through color and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the architectural structures and figures.
- step 02
Establish the background sky with a thin wash of muted greens and grays.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the structures, focusing on the green and brown tones.
- step 04
Begin layering paint to build up texture and detail on the structures.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Introduce the smaller details such as the eyes and other surreal elements.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final details and glazes to enhance the overall mood.
color palette
primary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
Achieve the various green tones by mixing sap green with varying amounts of yellow and white. Use raw umber and burnt sienna for the darker, earthy tones, and add small amounts of blue to create muted grays.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Losing the overall composition by focusing too much on individual elements.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (sap green, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium yellow, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for layering and texture. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.
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