plate no. 8298

By the River

Eric Fischl, 1989

oilContemporary Realismgenre paintingfigurescamellandscapewater potsclothinghorizon

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, capturing light and shadow on draped fabric, and creating a sense of atmosphere through color and brushwork. It also provides practice in depicting different skin tones and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of the figures and camel.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, focusing on the overall tonal values.
step 03
Start painting the figures, paying attention to the proportions and anatomical details.
step 04
Develop the drapery, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and form.
step 05
Add details to the faces, focusing on capturing the expressions and individual characteristics.
step 06
Paint the camel, paying attention to its unique features and textures.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors and values as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · raw sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · viridian

Mix various shades of browns and yellows for the skin tones and fabrics. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the darker shadows. Add white to lighten the colors and create highlights.

techniques