plate no. 0208

Cow drinking water

Ivan Generalić, 1972

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintingwintervillagesnowhousesanimalsfigures

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. Students will also practice painting textures like snow and bare tree branches.

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 houses, trees, and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, snow, and buildings using diluted washes.
step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shadows and create depth in the snow and on the buildings.
step 04
Paint the details of the houses, such as windows, doors, and roof lines.
step 05
Add the bare tree branches using a fine brush and dark brown or black paint.
step 06
Paint the figures and animals, simplifying their forms and using bold colors.
step 07
Add final details such as icicles, fences, and small bushes.
step 08
Refine the colors and values to create a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · sky blue · white · brown · red

secondary · green · yellow · orange · gray

Mix various shades of blue for the sky by adding white or a touch of gray. Create different browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow or red. Achieve the snow color by mixing white with small amounts of blue, gray, or yellow.

techniques