plate no. 4350

Farm in Winter

Werner Berg, 1973

oilExpressionismlandscapefarmsnowlandscapebuildingstreeswinter

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create a sense of depth using color and value. Students will also practice painting simple forms and capturing the mood of a winter scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: horizon line, farm buildings, road, and distant hill.
step 02
Block in the sky with a mix of blues and grays, creating a subtle gradient.
step 03
Paint the distant hill with a dark blue, blending it softly into the sky.
step 04
Establish the snow-covered ground with varying shades of white and blue.
step 05
Paint the farm buildings with a muted yellow, adding shadows and highlights to define the forms.
step 06
Add the snow on the roofs, using a slightly brighter white.
step 07
Paint the road with muted browns and grays, suggesting tire tracks.
step 08
Add the bare trees and other details, paying attention to their placement and scale.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Yellow ochre

secondary · Burnt umber · Payne's gray

Mix blues and whites for the sky and snow, adding a touch of yellow ochre to warm the snow in areas. Use burnt umber and Payne's gray to darken shadows and create depth.

techniques