plate no. 4479

The Tilled Field

Joan Miro, 1923

oil, canvasSurrealismlandscapelandscapeabstract formsanimalsfiguresskysymbols

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in abstract composition, color mixing for surreal effects, and creating a sense of depth through layering and contrasting shapes.

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 layout of the composition, focusing on the placement of key elements.
step 02
Apply a base layer of yellow for the sky and lighter yellow for the ground.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the major shapes like the black tree, green creature, and red column.
step 04
Start adding details to the shapes, such as the flags, the eye on the creature, and the patterns on the horse.
step 05
Mix and apply secondary colors to create depth and visual interest.
step 06
Define the edges of the shapes with darker outlines to enhance contrast.
step 07
Add small details and symbols throughout the painting to complete the surreal landscape.
step 08
Review and adjust colors and shapes to achieve a balanced and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · yellow · black · red · white

secondary · green · blue · brown · gray

Mix yellow with small amounts of brown or red to create variations in the sky and ground. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix black with other colors to create shadows and depth.

techniques