plate no. 3072

Major-General Smedley D. Butler

Horace Pippin, 1937

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitportraitmilitarycloudsskyfigureuniform

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and build confidence in layering colors with visible brushstrokes. It also offers practice in depicting textures through repetitive marks.

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 figure, clouds, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: blue for the sky, white for the clouds, and dark blue/black for the uniform.
step 03
Add variations in the sky and clouds using lighter and darker shades of blue and white.
step 04
Define the facial features and hair with simple shapes and tones.
step 05
Paint the details of the uniform, including the medals, buttons, and straps.
step 06
Add texture to the clouds and uniform with short, visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the edges and add highlights to create depth.
step 08
Add the signature in the bottom right corner.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · raw umber · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix different shades of blue by adding white or black to ultramarine blue. Create skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve the dark uniform color by mixing black with a hint of blue.

techniques