plate no. 5838

Krakow Hoarfrost

Oleksa Novakivskyi, 1911

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapesnowtreeslandscapebuildingwinterpath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use color temperature to represent light and shadow in a snowy landscape. It also provides practice in creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, trees, and building.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin adding texture to the snow and trees with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 04
Mix and apply the various blue and purple hues for the shadows in the snow and on the trees.
step 05
Add warmer tones to the path and tree trunks to create contrast.
step 06
Refine the details of the building and the reflections in the snow.
step 07
Add highlights to the snow and trees to enhance the sense of light.
step 08
Review and adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve a harmonious effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · purple · yellow ochre · raw umber

Mix blues and whites for the cool shadows in the snow. Use burnt sienna and white with touches of yellow ochre for the path. Create purples by mixing blue and red.

techniques