plate no. 2856

A Winter's Landscape

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreessnowfigurebuildingsbirdsdog

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice rendering snow and atmospheric perspective using a limited palette. Students can also learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes and capture the essence of a winter scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the trees, buildings, and figure.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral tones.
step 03
Begin layering in the snow, using slightly different values to create depth and form.
step 04
Paint the trees, focusing on the delicate branches and the snow clinging to them.
step 05
Add the figure and animals, keeping them in proportion to the rest of the scene.
step 06
Refine the details, such as the texture of the snow and the architectural details of the buildings.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a harmonious effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix white with raw umber and burnt sienna to create various shades of gray and brown for the snow and trees. Add a touch of blue to create cooler tones for shadows.

techniques