plate no. 1846

The Surrealist

Victor Brauner, 1947

oilSurrealismportraitfigurelandscapefishfiretablesurreal

some experience helpful

This painting is good for learning how to create smooth gradients and blend colors to achieve a soft, dreamlike quality. Students can also practice creating surreal imagery by combining unexpected elements and playing with scale and perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and other elements.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of green and brown, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Paint the figure's skin tones and clothing, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Add the details of the fish-table, including the coins, sword, and cup.
step 05
Paint the surreal creature and the fire, using bright colors and bold brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.
step 07
Paint the water and its reflections.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ochre · green · blue · brown

secondary · gold · purple · orange

Mix ochre with white and a touch of red for the figure's skin. Create the green background by mixing different shades of green, brown, and yellow. Mix blue with white and a touch of purple for the fish.

techniques

·smooth blending
·color layering
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brush

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of unity.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated, which can detract from the dreamlike quality.
→Failing to create a strong sense of depth and perspective.
→Not paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.