plate no. 1795

The homecoming

Norman Rockwell, 1945

oilRegionalismgenre paintingbuildingfigureschildrenyardbrickhomecoming

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, perspective, and capturing complex scenes with multiple focal points. It also offers practice in rendering textures like brick and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of major elements like the buildings, figures, and perspective lines.
step 02
Focus on accurately portraying the perspective of the buildings and the receding yard.
step 03
Block in the main shapes and colors of the buildings, using a limited palette of earth tones and reds.
step 04
Start adding details to the figures, paying close attention to proportions and gestures.
step 05
Gradually build up the details in the brickwork, using subtle variations in color and value to create texture.
step 06
Add the details of the clothing, hair, and facial features of the figures.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details such as the laundry line, the dog, and the small details in the yard.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · sap green

Achieve the brick color by mixing burnt sienna, cadmium red, and a touch of raw umber. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the various shades of blue for clothing and the sky. Mix yellow ochre and white for highlights on the figures and buildings.

techniques