plate no. 5677

Aïda, a Moorish Maid

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigurejewelryclothinghairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering subtle skin tones. It will also provide practice in painting drapery and jewelry.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral color.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the skin, clothing, and background.
step 04
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the jewelry, hair, and clothing.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
step 08
Check proportions and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix skin tones using white, raw umber, and small amounts of red and yellow. Achieve the black of the dress by mixing ivory black with a touch of raw umber.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in value and color.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, viridian)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags