plate no. 2939

Odalisque

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)nude painting (nu)figurepillowbuildingsskyfoliagedrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, portraiture, and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in painting drapery and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes of the figure, pillow, and background.
step 03
Start building up the skin tones, using thin layers of paint and blending carefully.
step 04
Add details to the face, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
step 05
Work on the drapery, capturing the folds and textures.
step 06
Paint the background elements, such as the buildings and sky, using a softer brushstroke.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the jewelry and floral patterns on the pillow.
step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones using titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create shadows. Achieve the warm tones of the pillow and drapery by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques