plate no. 8121

Young man with death

Gosta Adrian-Nilsson, 1908

oilSymbolismsymbolic paintingfigureangeltreescityscapeskydeath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, color mixing for skin tones and atmospheric perspective, and creating a symbolic narrative.

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, angel, and trees.
step 02
Block in the background with light washes of color, establishing the atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Begin painting the figure, paying attention to the proportions and anatomy.
step 04
Mix and apply skin tones, using subtle variations in color and value to create form.
step 05
Paint the angel figure, using darker colors and looser brushstrokes to create a sense of mystery.
step 06
Add details to the trees, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
step 07
Paint the cityscape in the background, using light colors and soft edges to create distance.
step 08
Add the final details, such as the stars and the highlights on the figure.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones by combining titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ivory black and raw umber to create the dark tones for the angel and trees. Add a touch of ultramarine blue to the black for a cooler tone.

techniques