plate no. 4558

Odalisque

oilAcademicismnude painting (nu)figuresnudestigerfoliagedraperyexotic

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, rendering skin tones, and creating a complex composition with multiple subjects. It also provides practice in depicting textures like fabric and animal fur.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 03
Start rendering the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create form.
step 04
Develop the details of the faces and features.
step 05
Paint the drapery and other fabrics, paying attention to folds and textures.
step 06
Render the tiger, using short brushstrokes to create the fur texture.
step 07
Add the background foliage, using loose brushstrokes to suggest depth.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create dark shadows. Mix viridian green and yellow ochre for the foliage.

techniques