The American Red Cross Magazine, Norman Rockwell, 1918
Americana used as a genre of painting refers to any painting that depicts some element of America, typically from days gone by. Norman Rockwell's work falls firmly in this genre. Artists who focus on paintings featuring Americana usually strive to capture the essence of some part of America's past and evoke nostalgic feelings from their audience. Americana painting is a rewarding art form that can capture America's present and preserve its past. Here are some ideas you can try to bring your own Americana paintings to life.
Rural Farm Settings
Rural farm settings are classic Americana fare. Barns, fields of corn, weather vanes, stone water wells and roosters on wooden fences---these are all excellent ideas to include in your Americana paintings. Try adding realism to your rural farm scenes. Make your barn dilapidated, your wooden fences broken and the weather vane rusty. You might even consider making a statement by painting a rural farm scene with a cityscape off in the distance. While the city in the far distance takes away from the rustic charm of the farm setting, it makes an important statement about how time brings change.
Small-Town Settings
Small-town settings are ideal subject matter for Americana paintings. Try to capture the essence of a small town with its rustic mom-and-pop establishments, children playing on the sidewalks, old men playing checkers in front of the barbershop---these are images that bring out the warmth of Hometown America. Pay attention to details. Add iconic elements to your paintings that bring back memories, like the old Coke machines that used to dispense Coca-Cola in those green bottles that beaded with moisture in the heat. Think about the old swimming hole or picnics at the park on a warm summer's day. These are the details that will bring your small-town setting to life.
Historical Transportation
Historical transportation is a perfect example of the type of elements that can be used in Americana paintings. Trains, in particular, make beautiful paintings. An old steam engine rolling down long twin silver lines, over mountains and through valleys with smoke pouring from the engine, brings back memories of days that seemed less complicated. Other transportation ideas might be a horse and carriage, a wagon train crossing the plains or Henry Ford's first cars rolling down Main Street America.
Present Day Americana
While Americana paintings work best when they feature the past, you don't want to overlook the present and modern-day technology. These things are still part of Americana, and one day your paintings will represent them as America's past. Gleaming cities and fast-moving trains make great contrast pieces to your more historical Americana pieces. Instead of the old swimming hole, try painting a giant water park and all the kids splashing and having fun there. The goal is to capture America in all its glory, past and present.
