Street in Cairo

surface prep

Prepare a linen or canvas support. While specific ground preparation for this exact painting is not detailed in the sources, Makovsky’s academic training suggests a traditional primed surface. The sources note that linen is a common support for oil painting, derived from the flax plant (Source 3).

underdrawing

The sources do not provide specific details on Makovsky’s underdrawing methods for this work. However, as an academic painter, he likely employed a precise initial drawing. General advice for copying or studying suggests that if one is 'too much tied down to outline,' one should study works that depart from it, implying that Makovsky’s academic background would involve strong initial structural lines (Source 7).

underpainting

A grisaille (monochrome underpainting) is recommended as a foundational step, particularly for mastering color relationships. The source advises mentally extracting red and yellow colors to create a neutral base, which is then glazed over (Source 1). This technique allows for the separation of value structure from color application, a method practiced by old masters and useful for achieving the luminous quality seen in Romantic genre paintings.

Glazing

Applying a transparent coat of color over a dry underpainting to build up luminosity and depth. This was a common practice among old masters and is recommended for achieving rich color effects.

Scumbling

Using semi-opaque paint over a darker ground to create texture and atmospheric effects, such as grey blooms or coldness in shadows.

Grisaille

Creating a monochrome underpainting to establish values before applying color, separating the structural work from the color application.