plate no. 5599

Commodore Peary and Henson at the North Pole

William H. Johnson, 1945

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)history paintingfiguresshipicebergflagsarctichistorical

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and character.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figures, ship, and iceberg, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background colors (sky, water, and ground) with broad, flat strokes.
step 03
Paint the figures' clothing with solid colors, leaving space for the spots.
step 04
Add the spots to the clothing using a contrasting color and a small brush.
step 05
Paint the details of the faces, ship, and flags, simplifying the forms as much as possible.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the brushstrokes and edges to achieve the desired level of texture and detail.
step 08
Add the signature.

color palette

primary · dark green · white · yellow · brown

secondary · red · black · orange

Mix the dark green by combining blue and yellow with a touch of black. Create lighter shades of yellow by adding white. Achieve the brown tones by mixing red, yellow, and black.

techniques