plate no. 8287

Arab

Irma Stern, 1939

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitmanturbanbeardclothingface

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture with expressive brushstrokes and color mixing to capture skin tones and fabric textures. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color temperature to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes of the head, turban, and shoulders.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of yellow ochre and burnt sienna.
step 03
Establish the main skin tones using a mix of burnt umber, alizarin crimson, and yellow ochre.
step 04
Paint the turban with white, adding touches of green and yellow to capture the light and shadow.
step 05
Define the beard with white, gray, and touches of yellow and green, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the clothing with white and green, paying attention to the folds and creases.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · alizarin crimson

secondary · viridian green · ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing burnt umber, alizarin crimson, and yellow ochre with varying amounts of white. Greens are created by mixing yellow ochre and viridian green. Grays are made by mixing ivory black and white.

techniques