plate no. 4839
On The Terraces, Moonlight
Nasreddine Dinet, 1908
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures and patterns, as well as capturing subtle skin tones and the interplay of light and shadow on fabric. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a relaxed, naturalistic pose.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main figures and composition.
- step 02
Establish the background tones using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the clothing and skin tones.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to build up depth and dimension in the figures.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing patterns and jewelry.
- step 06
Refine the skin tones and facial features.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · alizarin crimson · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red
Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, alizarin crimson, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create muted shadows. Mix cadmium red with alizarin crimson and white to achieve the red in the clothing.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the overall sense of atmosphere and light.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) is recommended for beginners.
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