plate no. 5504

First Snow, Algoma Country

A.Y. Jackson, 1920

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapelandscapesnowtreesmountainsskyforest

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as using brushstrokes to suggest form rather than precise detail. It's a good exercise in capturing the overall mood of a scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition: horizon line, mountain range, and placement of major trees.
step 02
Establish the base color for the sky using diluted washes of grey and yellow ochre.
step 03
Block in the mountain range with a dark mix of ultramarine blue and burnt umber.
step 04
Apply a base layer of burnt sienna and alizarin crimson for the foreground and midground.
step 05
Layer various shades of red, orange, and brown to create the impression of foliage and ground cover.
step 06
Add dark vertical strokes to represent tree trunks and branches.
step 07
Use a small brush or palette knife to apply small dabs of white paint for the snow.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

Mix burnt sienna and alizarin crimson for the dominant red-brown tones. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create dark, muted blues for the mountains. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques