plate no. 5836

Grandpa Listening In on the Wireless

Norman Rockwell, 1920

oil, canvasRegionalismgenre paintingfiguresportraittechnologyinteriortablewires

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict complex objects and their textures.

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 figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Focus on establishing the light and shadow patterns to create depth and form.
step 04
Develop the skin tones of the figures, paying attention to subtle color variations.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and objects, such as the wires and headphones.
step 06
Refine the edges and details to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the subjects.
step 08
Apply a final glaze to unify the colors and create a soft, luminous effect.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of ivory black or burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the darker shades in the clothing and background.

techniques