plate no. 9805

The Source of Infection II

Iurie Matei, 2010

oil, canvasMagic Realismsymbolic paintingviolinclownportraitswalnutslockbugs

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in rendering textures (wood, metal, paper) and creating a sense of depth through layering and detail. It also offers practice in depicting complex still life arrangements with varied objects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the main objects.
step 02
Block in the background color and the general shapes of the objects with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin adding details to the violin, focusing on the wood grain and texture.
step 04
Paint the portraits and other images, paying attention to the lighting and shadows.
step 05
Render the clown figure, capturing the details of its costume and expression.
step 06
Add the walnuts and other small details, such as the bugs and the lock.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Apply a final varnish to protect the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Cadmium red · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Payne's gray · Sap green

Achieve the blue background by mixing Prussian blue with white, adding small amounts of umber to adjust the tone. Create the wood tones by layering burnt umber, yellow ochre, and touches of red. Mix grays with white, black, and a touch of blue or umber.

techniques