plate no. 5348

The Star

oilSurrealismlandscapeoceanmoonfiguresgeometric shapeslandscapenight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction, color mixing within a limited palette, and creating a sense of depth through layering and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, paying attention to the placement of the horizon line and major elements.
step 02
Establish the darkest values first, focusing on the lower areas and the edges of the composition.
step 03
Mix a range of blues and greens, gradually lightening the values as you move towards the horizon and the moon.
step 04
Fill in the larger geometric shapes with flat, even layers of paint, carefully blending the edges where necessary.
step 05
Add the details of the figures and the ship, using thin washes of color to create a sense of distance.
step 06
Paint the moon and the stars, using a light, creamy mixture of white and a touch of yellow.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final details like the thin vertical lines and small dots.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cerulean blue · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Achieve the various shades of blue and green by mixing ultramarine and cerulean blue with white. Add small amounts of viridian green for cooler tones and alizarin crimson for warmer tones.

techniques