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home·artworks·Arabian Subject
Arabian Subject by Louis Comfort Tiffany

plate no. 6827

Arabian Subject

Louis Comfort Tiffany, 1880

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigurearchitecturedoorwaybuildingportraitstone
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering textures of stone and fabric, as well as capturing subtle light and shadow variations to create depth. It also provides practice in accurately depicting a human figure within an architectural setting.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the building, doorway, and figure, paying attention to proportions.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes.

  3. step 03

    Begin refining the details of the stone texture, using dry brush techniques and subtle color variations.

  4. step 04

    Work on the figure, focusing on accurately depicting the folds of the clothing and the facial features.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the doorway, including the intricate carvings and the texture of the wood.

  6. step 06

    Refine the lighting and shadows, paying attention to the direction of the light source.

  7. step 07

    Add final details, such as highlights and small accents of color.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

Achieve the stone colors by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and small amounts of ivory black. Use ultramarine blue to darken the shadows and create cooler tones.

techniques

  • ·dry brushing
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·layering
  • ·value studies

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the stone and fabric.
  • →Getting lost in the details of the carvings and losing the overall form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
  • ·mineral spirits or water for cleaning

optional

  • ·retarder medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel

Use a canvas with a medium texture to help create the impression of stone. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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