plate no. 8927

February Thaw

oilRegionalismlandscapebuildingswaterreflectionsfiguressnowtrees

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice creating reflections in water and simplifying complex shapes into basic forms. Students can learn to create a sense of depth using a limited color palette and varying values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and their reflections, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the waterline.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and buildings using diluted washes.
step 04
Add darker values to define the shadows and reflections, focusing on the shapes created by the light.
step 05
Introduce the figures and trees, keeping them simple and stylized.
step 06
Refine the details of the reflections, adding subtle variations in color and value to suggest movement.
step 07
Add highlights to the snow and water to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · gray · beige · yellow ochre

secondary · dark green · light blue

Mix grays by combining complementary colors like burnt umber and ultramarine blue with white. Achieve the beige by mixing yellow ochre with white and a touch of burnt sienna.

techniques