plate no. 0923
Handball
Ben Shahn, 1939
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict figures in motion and how to create a sense of depth using subtle value changes and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into essential shapes and tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the wall.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky, wall, and ground, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the basic values for the figures, paying attention to the light source and shadows.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as clothing folds and facial features, using smaller brushes.
- step 05
Refine the background elements, including the buildings and billboards, with simplified shapes and colors.
- step 06
Add the linear elements of the wall, such as the lines and the number '1'.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of harmony and depth.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism of the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of gray and beige by combining white, black, and raw umber. Use small amounts of burnt sienna and yellow ochre to add warmth to the skin tones and clothing.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·value studies
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·limited palette
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall simplicity of the painting.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, which can detract from the muted and realistic atmosphere.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·medium gloss
Use a limited palette to achieve the muted tones of the original painting. Thin the oil paints with linseed oil for smoother application.
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