plate no. 3501
the Pottery Seller in Old City Cairo
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in a complex environment and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. Students can also learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main architectural shapes, the camel, and figures.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on the overall light and shadow.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the buildings, camel, and figures, paying attention to local color and value.
- step 04
Develop the details of the architecture, including the intricate patterns and textures.
- step 05
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and faces.
- step 06
Work on the camel, paying attention to its anatomy and texture.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Finish with small details and adjustments to unify the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and ultramarine blue with white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create warm highlights. Mix viridian with other colors to create muted greens and earth tones.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Overworking the painting and losing freshness.
- →Inaccurate proportions of figures and architecture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#10 filbert brush
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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