plate no. 6712

Une goutte dans l'œil

oilSurrealismlandscapelandscapeeyetreecandlesfiguresurreal

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, and rendering complex surreal compositions. It also encourages experimentation with unusual color combinations and symbolic imagery.

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 eye, tree, and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background sky and distant mountains using thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the foreground elements, like the eye, candles, and figures, with diluted paint.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up depth and form, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Add details to the landscape, such as trees, water, and the bridge, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Refine the details of the eye, including the pupil, iris, and tear, using precise brushstrokes.
step 07
Create the checkerboard pattern and other geometric elements with careful measurements and clean lines.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · titanium white

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Experiment with glazing to create depth and luminosity.

techniques

·layering
·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·linear perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial layers.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point due to the complexity of the composition.
→Using colors that are too saturated and clashing with each other.
→Neglecting the importance of value contrast in creating depth and form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, cadmium red, viridian green, titanium white)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels