plate no. 5791
Krzyż w śniegu
Ferdynand Ruszczyc, 1902
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the light post and the overall structure of the trees.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin layering the snow-covered branches, using a variety of blues, purples, and whites.
- step 04
Add warmer tones to the areas where the light hits the snow, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 05
Define the details of the light post, paying attention to its form and texture.
- step 06
Refine the overall composition, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the texture of the snow and the branches.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Yellow ochre
secondary · Burnt umber · Ultramarine blue · Cadmium yellow
Mix blues and whites for cool shadows on the snow. Use yellow ochre and white for the warm highlights. Add burnt umber to darken shadows.
techniques
- ·Impasto
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Layering
- ·Color temperature
- ·Scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Making the snow too flat and uniform
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows
- →Losing the overall sense of light and atmosphere
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Oil paints
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Reference photo
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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