plate no. 7227

The strollers

Paul Delvaux, 1947

oil, canvasSurrealismnude painting (nu)figuresarchitecturenightmoondraperycityscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering skin tones, and creating atmospheric perspective in a surreal landscape. It also provides practice in painting architectural details and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, starting with the sky and buildings.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones of the figures, using a limited palette of colors.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, including the drapery, headdresses, and facial features.
step 05
Add the architectural details, focusing on the columns, windows, and other structural elements.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the small details like the rocks on the ground and the patterns on the drapery.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · purple

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use raw umber and white for the buildings. Mix red, white, and a touch of yellow ochre for skin tones. Add blue and purple to create shadows.

techniques