plate no. 4020

Train in Evening

Paul Delvaux, 1957

oilSurrealismcityscapetrainrailroadnightbuildingsfiguremoon

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to depict light and shadow in a nighttime scene. Students will also practice painting detailed architectural elements and figures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective of the train tracks and buildings.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the dark blue of the night sky and the lighter tones of the buildings.
step 03
Add the details of the train, including the windows, lights, and mechanical parts.
step 04
Paint the architectural details of the buildings, such as the windows, doors, and rooflines.
step 05
Add the figure in the foreground, paying attention to the proportions and the way the light falls on her dress.
step 06
Refine the details of the train tracks and the surrounding landscape.
step 07
Add the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red

Mix various shades of blue and black to create the night sky. Use white and yellow ochre to create the highlights on the buildings and train. Mix burnt umber and black for the dark shadows.

techniques