plate no. 4202

Second Allegory

Ben Shahn, 1953

oilExpressionismallegorical paintingfigurehandsgeometric shapesskyabstractallegory

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating textures with brushstrokes, and composing an image with both representational and abstract elements. It also encourages expressive mark-making and simplification of form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition lightly, focusing on the placement of the figure and geometric shapes.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of orange and red tones to the background, allowing for variations in color and texture.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the figure with black paint, using loose brushstrokes.
step 04
Add the lighter tones of the figure's face and hands, blending the edges slightly.
step 05
Paint the geometric shapes in red, using a fine brush for precise lines.
step 06
Add the white line details using a thin brush or paint marker, following the original's expressive style.
step 07
Refine the background colors and textures, adding subtle variations and highlights.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive image.

color palette

primary · burnt orange · cadmium red · black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix burnt orange and cadmium red for the background. Use white to lighten the figure's skin tones. Mix ultramarine blue and yellow ochre for the cooler tones in the background.

techniques