plate no. 6371

Proof for Texas Centennial Montgomery Ward Catalog

lithographyRegionalismillustrationfiguresflagshistoricalcannonuniformssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, layering colors to create depth, and rendering fabric and textures. It also provides practice in creating a balanced composition with multiple elements.

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 overall composition and placement of figures and flags.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, focusing on the sky and distant elements.
step 03
Start painting the figures, working from the back to the front, and paying attention to their proportions and poses.
step 04
Develop the details of the flags, including the patterns and folds, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the figures' clothing and equipment, such as the buttons, straps, and weapons.
step 06
Paint the cannon and other foreground elements, adding shadows and highlights to create depth.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · sky blue · tan · white · gold

secondary · red · green · brown · gray

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the figures' clothing. Mix greens from blue and yellow, and reds from crimson and a touch of brown.

techniques