plate no. 2355
In Deep Mid Winter
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create a sense of depth and light. It also provides practice in rendering textures of snow and tree bark.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, the path, and the water.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background light and then the darker areas of the trees.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, paying attention to the subtle shifts in hue and value.
- step 05
Add details to the trees, snow, and water, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the deer, keeping it simple and focusing on its silhouette.
- step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of light and depth.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Achieve the warm glow by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Cool down shadows with ultramarine blue and burnt umber.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·color blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value that create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to help create the textures of the snow and tree bark. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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