plate no. 7600

Woman, Old Man and Flower Femme

Max Ernst, 1923

oil, canvasSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigurelandscapeskyfansurrealsea

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering surreal figures and landscapes, as well as understanding color relationships in a muted palette. It also encourages exploration of symbolic representation and narrative in art.

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 and proportions of the figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background sky and sea with thin washes of color, blending smoothly.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to their unique forms and details.
step 04
Develop the tonal values of the landscape, creating depth and dimension.
step 05
Add details to the figures, such as the fan, clothing, and facial features.
step 06
Refine the color palette, mixing subtle variations to create a harmonious overall effect.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism and surrealism of the painting.
step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and add depth.

color palette

primary · ochre · grey · brown · red

secondary · blue · green · yellow

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or grey to dull the intensity. Use thin glazes to build up color and create depth.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·blending
·layering

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in details too early without establishing the overall composition.
→Using colors that are too saturated and not in harmony with the muted palette.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension in the landscape.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial sketch.