plate no. 3954

Father and Son

Ben Shahn, 1946

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurestreesskybuildingslandscapeclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create texture and capturing expressive figures with simplified forms. It also encourages experimentation with color palettes to evoke mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: blue for the sky and ground, red for the trees, black for the man's coat, and yellow for the bundle.
step 03
Add layers of color to the sky and ground, using short, visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 04
Develop the red trees, varying the thickness of the branches and adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Refine the figures, paying attention to the facial features and the folds in the clothing.
step 06
Add details to the woman and the picture frame she is holding.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to create a cohesive and expressive image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the painting's depth and visual interest.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium red · Yellow ochre · Black

secondary · Titanium white · Burnt umber

Mix various shades of blue by adding white or burnt umber to Prussian blue. Create the red tree branches by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt umber for depth. Achieve the yellow bundle color by mixing yellow ochre with white, and adding small amounts of burnt umber for shadows.

techniques