plate no. 8202

Figures Skating in a Dutch Landscape

oilBaroquegenre paintingfiguresice skatingwinterlandscapewindmillsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a landscape and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. It also provides practice in capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow on a snowy surface.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic composition of the background elements like the windmill and distant buildings.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ice, and background, using thin washes of paint.
step 04
Start adding details to the figures, focusing on their clothing and poses. Use a smaller brush for finer lines.
step 05
Develop the details of the foreground elements, such as the wooden structure and the snow-covered bank.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, paying attention to the direction of the light source and how it affects the various surfaces.
step 07
Add highlights to the ice to create a sense of depth and reflection.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · ivory black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing white with small amounts of raw umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to certain areas and ivory black for shadows.

techniques