plate no. 6419

Seward Park

Ben Shahn, 1936

oilSocial Realismgenre paintingfiguresmenclothingfenceparkcityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, capturing expressions, and using a limited palette to create a cohesive mood. Students will also learn how to create depth and texture through layering and varied brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and the fence.
step 02
Establish the background wash with diluted browns and grays.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the clothing and skin tones, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 04
Add details to the faces, paying attention to the expressions and individual features.
step 05
Develop the clothing with layers of color, adding shadows and highlights to create depth.
step 06
Define the fence with thin, dark lines, varying the thickness to suggest depth.
step 07
Add final details and adjustments to refine the composition and enhance the overall mood.
step 08
Sign the painting in the lower right corner.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix browns and grays by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and ivory black. Use yellow ochre to create warm highlights and ultramarine blue to create cool shadows.

techniques