plate no. 9758

Soldier and comrads

Norman Rockwell, 1919

oilRegionalismgenre paintingsoldierchildrenfiguresuniformsparadehistorical

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and rendering realistic textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch of the composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of neutral tones.
step 03
Begin refining the details of the soldier's face and uniform, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add the children, focusing on their expressions and individual characteristics.
step 05
Develop the background with soft, blended tones to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and accessories, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a cohesive and harmonious image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to create warm highlights and subtle color variations.

techniques