plate no. 4809
Prayer in Cairo
Jean-Leon Gerome, 1865
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in various poses and clothing. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and distance using color and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing point for the perspective.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, buildings, and figures.
- step 04
Begin to refine the shapes of the figures, paying attention to their proportions and gestures.
- step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the minarets and rooftops.
- step 06
Develop the atmospheric perspective by layering thin washes of color to create depth.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the details and add finishing touches.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing small amounts of the secondary colors into the primary colors. Use thin washes of color to create the atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and distance.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony of the painting.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·linseed oil
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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