plate no. 5953

The Focus Tombs

Paul Delvaux, 1957

oilSurrealismsymbolic paintingskeletonstombslandscapetreesarchitecturefigures

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering anatomical forms, perspective, and creating a surreal atmosphere through color and composition. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to define forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch, paying close attention to perspective and the placement of the tombs and figures.
step 02
Block in the background landscape and sky with diluted washes of color.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the tombs and the skeletons within them.
step 04
Begin rendering the skeletons, focusing on accurate proportions and bone structure.
step 05
Add the drapery and clothing, paying attention to how it folds and drapes over the skeletons.
step 06
Refine the details of the architecture and the landscape, adding shadows and highlights to create depth.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create the desired mood.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the skeletons and drapery.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · burnt umber

Mix various shades of gray and off-white for the skeletons and tombs. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the landscape. Red can be mixed with burnt umber to create a muted red.

techniques