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home·artworks·Le Caïd Marocain Tahamy
Le Caïd Marocain Tahamy by Benjamin Constant

plate no. 4741

Le Caïd Marocain Tahamy

Benjamin Constant

oilOrientalismportraitfigureportraitinteriorclothingweaponshadow
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing skin tones and fabric textures, as well as understanding light and shadow in an interior setting. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere using a limited color palette.

technical profile

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

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and background.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the large masses of dark and light.

  3. step 03

    Develop the background, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and texture.

  4. step 04

    Refine the figure's features, carefully observing the highlights and shadows on the face and hands.

  5. step 05

    Work on the clothing, capturing the folds and textures of the fabric.

  6. step 06

    Add details such as the weapon, accessories, and any other elements that contribute to the overall composition.

  7. step 07

    Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black and white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to add warmth to the skin tones and fabrics.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·portraiture

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to capture the subtle variations in tone and color.
  • →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red light oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·#4 round brush
  • ·#8 flat brush

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine

Use a medium-tooth canvas for a good balance of texture and detail.

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