New York by Ben Shahn

plate no. 2130

New York

Ben Shahn, 1947

oilExpressionismsymbolic paintingfigurefishclockbuildingscityscapeportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into expressive shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

4

compositional simplicity

2

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the main shapes and composition lightly onto the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest tones.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, blending edges where needed.
step 04
Add details to the figures, fish, clock, and buildings.
step 05
Use dry brush techniques to create texture in the background and foreground.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to enhance the depth of the painting.
step 07
Add any final details and adjustments to complete the artwork.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium red

secondary · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and black for the darkest shadows. Use raw sienna and white for the lighter areas. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber for the reddish-brown tones.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·blending
·simplification

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Not paying attention to the value relationships.
→Failing to simplify the forms and shapes.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·burnt umber oil paint
·raw sienna oil paint
·cadmium red oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·ivory black oil paint
·round brushes
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·painting medium
·retouch varnish

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the dry brush effect.

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