plate no. 6433

Depiction of Kandake/Candace Amanitore resting (Detail)

Iman Shaggag, 1995

oil, canvasRealismhistory paintingfiguresthroneinteriorancient Egyptarchitectureclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, depicting fabric folds, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in rendering textures and patterns on surfaces like the floor tiles.

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 figures and the throne.
step 02
Block in the main color areas, starting with the background and floor.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the figures and the throne.
step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, including the clothing folds and facial features.
step 05
Refine the details of the throne and the surrounding architecture.
step 06
Add the patterns on the floor tiles and other decorative elements.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · gold ochre · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix ivory with small amounts of burnt umber to create the off-white tones of the clothing. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the darker tones of the figures' skin. Mix gold ochre and cadmium red for the gold details.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·blending
·dry brushing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
→Not paying attention to the perspective of the floor tiles.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (ivory, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, gold ochre, cadmium red, viridian green)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags