plate no. 9657

Time of the Devil

Nina Tokhtaman Valetova, 2010

oil, canvas, cardboardMagic Realismsymbolic paintingfigureroostergoatgeometric shapessymbolicportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color blocking, geometric abstraction, and creating a symbolic narrative through visual elements. It also encourages experimentation with color temperature and value to create depth and mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, rooster, and goat.
step 02
Divide the background into geometric shapes, varying their sizes and angles.
step 03
Apply a base layer of warm colors (yellows, oranges, reds) to the background shapes.
step 04
Block in the main figures (man, rooster, goat) with their respective base colors (red, black, brown).
step 05
Add shadows and highlights to the figures and background shapes to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures, paying attention to facial features and textures.
step 07
Adjust the color balance and contrast to enhance the overall mood and impact.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · black · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Achieve the various shades of red by mixing cadmium red with small amounts of burnt umber or black. Create warmer yellows by mixing yellow ochre with cadmium yellow. Use white to create tints of the primary colors.

techniques