plate no. 1053

Eisiger März

oilExpressionismlandscapetreesnowwinterlandscapebranches

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict form using subtle value changes and how to create a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It's also a good exercise in observing and painting the nuances of light and shadow on snow.

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 tree trunk, branches, and snow drifts, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted green-gray.
step 03
Block in the dark values of the tree trunk and branches, using a mix of dark blues and browns.
step 04
Add the snow on the branches and ground, using a mix of white and light blue, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
step 05
Layer in the subtle variations of color in the snow, using blues, purples, and grays.
step 06
Refine the shapes of the branches and snow drifts, adding details and texture with visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Add the thin red branches.
step 08
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · raw sienna · alizarin crimson · payne's gray

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark tree trunk. Use titanium white and ultramarine blue for the snow highlights. Add a touch of raw sienna to warm up the snow shadows. Mix alizarin crimson with burnt umber for the thin red branches.

techniques