plate no. 0407

Hill Top Farm, Winter

Maxfield Parrish, 1949

oilRegionalismlandscapewinterlandscapetreessnowhouseshill

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning about atmospheric perspective and how to create a sense of depth using color and value. Students will also practice rendering textures of snow and tree bark.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the large tree, the hill, and the houses.
step 02
Block in the sky with a gradient of blues, from darker at the top to lighter near the horizon.
step 03
Establish the base color for the snow-covered hill, using a mix of blues, purples, and whites.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the snow to create form and texture.
step 05
Paint the houses in the background, paying attention to their relative size and placement.
step 06
Render the large tree in the foreground, focusing on the texture of the bark and the shapes of the branches.
step 07
Add details such as the fence, small bushes, and rocks in the foreground.
step 08
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · purple · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix blues and purples with white to create the cool tones of the snow and sky. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the warm tones of the houses and tree bark.

techniques