plate no. 4754

The Phases of the Night

Max Ernst, 1946

oil, canvasSurrealismsymbolic paintinglandscapeskygeometric shapessurreal figuresvegetationsymbolic elements

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as understanding how to balance abstract and representational elements in a composition. It also encourages exploration of symbolic representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the large geometric shapes, and the placement of the 'moon'.
step 02
Block in the sky with a dark, muted tone, gradually lightening towards the horizon.
step 03
Establish the general color scheme of the landscape, using a mix of greens, browns, and yellows.
step 04
Begin adding details to the landscape, focusing on the texture and variation of the vegetation.
step 05
Paint the geometric shapes with flat, opaque colors, paying attention to their outlines and proportions.
step 06
Add the symbolic elements, such as the heart, mathematical symbols, and the details within the 'moon'.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · dark blue · green · brown · yellow

secondary · red · light blue · white

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. The green is a mix of yellow and blue with touches of brown.

techniques