plate no. 2600

Sacco and Vanzetti

Ben Shahn, 1932

oilSocial Realismportraitportraitsfiguressuitshandcuffsdoorinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice portraiture with simplified forms and explore limited color palettes to create a somber mood. It also provides an opportunity to practice capturing likeness and emotion through expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the two figures and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes.
step 03
Define the facial features and details of the clothing with darker values.
step 04
Add highlights to create form and dimension.
step 05
Refine the details of the handcuffs and other small elements.
step 06
Add texture and interest with visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve the desired mood.
step 08
Add final details and signature.

color palette

primary · black · white · brown · yellow ochre

secondary · red oxide · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown by combining black, white, and red oxide. Use yellow ochre and white for skin tones, and add small amounts of red oxide for warmth. Create darker values by adding ultramarine blue to black.

techniques

·dry brushing
·color mixing
·portrait sketching
·blocking in
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to capture the somber mood of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·rags

Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Acrylic paints will dry faster, while oil paints will allow for more blending.

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