plate no. 3453

The Fiancée of the Night

Victor Brauner, 1937

oil, panelSurrealismgenre paintingfigurescandledoorbuildingsurrealnight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure abstraction, color mixing for skin tones, and creating a surreal atmosphere through composition and color choices. It also encourages exploration of personal symbolism.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the background colors, starting with the lavender wall and the sky.
step 03
Establish the main skin tones of the figures, focusing on the light and shadow.
step 04
Paint the details of the 'monster' figure, paying attention to the texture of the fur.
step 05
Add the details of the 'fiancée' figure, including the flowing fabric.
step 06
Paint the architectural details, such as the door and the wall, using perspective.
step 07
Add the candle and its light, creating a focal point.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · lavender

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · black

Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt umber with white and small amounts of red and yellow. Create the lavender background by mixing red, blue, and white. The fur is a mix of browns, blacks, and reds.

techniques