plate no. 3962

A Blizzard

Grandma Moses, 1956

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)landscapewinterlandscapevillagesnowhillsfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive winter landscape. It also encourages observation of details and storytelling through visual elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills, buildings, and roads, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky and the general areas of snow-covered ground with light gray and white.
step 03
Add the darker green tones for the hills and trees, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 04
Paint the buildings with white, adding details like windows and doors with darker grays and browns.
step 05
Create the road using a light brown or gray, suggesting tracks in the snow.
step 06
Add the figures and animals, keeping them simple and stylized.
step 07
Include small details like fences, trees, and the church clock.
step 08
Refine the snow texture with dry brushing and subtle variations in white and gray.

color palette

primary · titanium white · payne's gray · sap green

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix white with small amounts of gray, blue, and brown to achieve the various snow tones. Use green mixed with white for highlights on the trees and hills. Red is used sparingly for figures and accents.

techniques