plate no. 8669

The Virgin Spanking the Christ Child before Three Witnesses: Andre Breton, Paul Eluard, and the Painter

Max Ernst, 1926

oil, canvasSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigurechildarchitectureskyportraitcloth

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, understanding of light and shadow on geometric forms, and color mixing to achieve a surrealist mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and architectural elements.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the background, including the sky, walls, and floor.
step 03
Establish the values of the figures, starting with the darkest shadows and gradually adding highlights.
step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figures, paying attention to anatomical accuracy and proportions.
step 05
Paint the drapery, capturing the folds and shadows to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add the details of the faces in the window, focusing on capturing the expressions.
step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to completion.

color palette

primary · red · blue · yellow ochre · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · ivory black

Mix various shades of red by adding white, umber, or black. Create the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use blue and white for the sky, and mix umber with white for the architectural elements.

techniques