plate no. 7930

The Source of Infection

Iurie Matei, 2008

oilMagic Realismsymbolic paintingviolinfigurineportraitswalnutsdrawersbugs

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in rendering textures like wood and metal, as well as creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to manage a complex composition with many elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the main elements.
step 02
Establish the background color and general lighting.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the violin, figurine, and other objects with their base colors.
step 04
Start adding details and textures to the violin, focusing on the wood grain and varnish.
step 05
Work on the figurine, adding details to the clothing and facial features.
step 06
Paint the portraits and other images in the background, paying attention to their relative size and placement.
step 07
Add the walnuts and other small details, focusing on their form and texture.
step 08
Refine the lighting and shadows, adding highlights and details to create depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna

Achieve the background teal by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of yellow ochre. Create realistic wood tones by layering burnt umber, raw sienna, and yellow ochre.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·layering
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early without establishing the overall composition.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Inaccurate proportions of the objects.
→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the painting.