plate no. 4337

Arab Chieftains in Council (The Negotiator)

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfigurestreelandscapemountainsweaponsdog

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in realistic light and shadow, and creating depth in a landscape using atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main tree.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the landscape in the background, establishing the horizon line and mountain range.
step 03
Establish the base tones for the figures' clothing, using a limited palette of whites and creams.
step 04
Begin to build up the details of the figures, paying attention to the folds and shadows in their garments.
step 05
Add details to the tree, including the trunk, branches, and leaves, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 06
Develop the background landscape further, adding details such as the figures on horseback and the distant buildings.
step 07
Refine the details of the foreground, including the dog, weapons, and other objects.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium green · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of yellow ochre and raw umber to achieve the off-white tones of the clothing. Use burnt sienna and raw umber to create the earth tones of the ground and tree trunk. Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ivory black.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·atmospheric perspective
·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Ignoring the effects of light and shadow on the forms.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, cadmium green, alizarin crimson)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags
·Easel