plate no. 7090

Parade

Norman Rockwell, 1924

oil, canvasRegionalismgenre paintingfiguresparadechildrenmanclothinghistorical

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice rendering figures with realistic proportions and clothing folds. Students can also learn about creating depth through layering and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and their relative positions, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for each figure: the red coats, the dark suit, and the background.
step 03
Start refining the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the folds and creases in the clothing.
step 04
Add the details of the faces, hands, and feet, using smaller brushes.
step 05
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each area to create depth and form.
step 06
Add the details of the props: the box, the lantern, and the sash.
step 07
Refine the background and add any final details.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and adjust values.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with small amounts of ivory black or burnt sienna. Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red.

techniques

·figure drawing
·layering
·color mixing
·glazing
·rendering clothing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figures
→Overly saturated colors
→Lack of depth in the clothing folds
→Ignoring subtle color variations

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (cadmium red, ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags