plate no. 2260

The Four Prosecutors - Sacco-Vanzetti Case

Ben Shahn, 1932

oilSocial Realismportraitfiguresportraitsbrick wallsuitshatssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive image. It's also a good exercise in capturing likeness with minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and the brick wall, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background sky and brick wall.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the suits, using a mix of black and burnt umber.
step 04
Add the lighter values to the faces and hands, using a limited palette of white, ochre, and a touch of red.
step 05
Define the details of the hats, ties, and other accessories.
step 06
Refine the shapes and proportions of the figures, paying attention to the subtle variations in their facial features.
step 07
Add any final details, such as the highlights on the suits and the texture of the brick wall.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · black · burnt umber · white · red ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix black and burnt umber for the suits. Use white and ochre with a touch of red for the skin tones. Add a touch of ultramarine blue to white for the sky.

techniques