plate no. 4233
Four Generations of Dickie Men
Eric Fischl, 2008
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting complex compositions with multiple figures and varied textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background and figures using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin building up layers of paint on the faces, focusing on capturing the subtle variations in skin tone and light.
- step 04
Develop the clothing and other details, paying attention to the folds and textures.
- step 05
Refine the background and surrounding elements, ensuring they complement the figures.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Continuously compare the painting to the reference image, making adjustments as needed.
- step 08
Apply final details and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · alizarin crimson · viridian
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create neutral grays and browns for shadows and clothing.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subjects.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (24x30 inches)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, viridian)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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