plate no. 9072

Ben Franklin's Sesquicentennial

Norman Rockwell, 1926

oil, canvasRegionalismportraitfigureportraitdeskhistoricalwritingeagle

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering clothing folds, as well as understanding how to create a focal point through composition and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure, desk, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the figure's features, paying close attention to capturing the likeness of Benjamin Franklin.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, including the folds and textures of the coat, shirt, and breeches.
step 05
Refine the desk and other objects, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 06
Work on the background, including the eagle emblem and the inscription at the bottom.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall realism and visual impact.
step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Create the dark coat with black, umber, and a hint of blue. Use white and ochre for the lighter areas.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure or desk.
→Overly harsh or muddy color mixing.
→Failure to capture the likeness of Benjamin Franklin.
→Ignoring the subtle value shifts that create depth and form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags