Rockwell, Yankee Doodle

Norman Rockwell

"Yankee Doodle", Mural for the Nassau Tavern, Princeton, New Jersey -1937

http://www.nassauinn.com/


More insight on drawing the idea/ideal as opposed to copying. In this mural Rockwell depicts yankee doodle amongst laughing redcoats. How does he transform his faithful study of a model in order to depict his idea of yankee doodle. Yankee doodle the visual personification of the gangly and awkward young America.

No doubt there were sketches done before employment of a model, I've never seen them so will have to start one step into the process.

1- A drawing is done from the model (life or photo), changes are made but the character is still of a model posing~average proportions and the action not fully acted.



2- A drawing is done from the first drawing (with new reference used according to the changes made). In this way ideas(shapes/character/action) started or hinted at in the first drawing can be pushed further. Here the body is made thinner, the arms and legs are elongated, and the shape of his nose is changed. The clothing also adds to the character and his action. The vest now creates a more interesting silhouette, while the smaller scarf helps thin the shape of his upper body. The negative space between him and the saddle, as well as disheveled hat and flowing hair and coat, combine to convey a bouncing ride.
At this point the first drawing now looks like it depicts the lord of the manor, not our boy YD.


3- The drawing is transfered and a color-study is done.



4- Even from the color-study to the finish changes are made. Most are subtle, but the key one here is the improved resolution to the coats flowing pipe folds, and its corresponding change to its negative shape in relation to the elbow. Every brushstroke is a drawing consideration.