plate no. 6122

The Empress of Sorrow

Eric Fischl, 1992

oilContemporary Realismgenre paintingfigurescarouselhorseinteriorcostumeportrait

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure painting, capturing complex lighting, and understanding color relationships in a limited palette. It also encourages attention to detail in rendering textures and patterns.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and carousel.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the values, focusing on the highlights and shadows.
step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to facial features and clothing.
step 05
Work on the carousel horse, capturing its form and texture.
step 06
Refine the background and add details such as the foliage and architectural elements.
step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · burnt umber · ivory black · raw sienna

Mix greens by blending viridian with yellow ochre and white. Achieve skin tones by combining red, yellow ochre, and white, adjusting proportions for variations. Use burnt umber and black for shadows, and white for highlights.

techniques