plate no. 6452
Let Me Help
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing simplified forms and creating depth through layering. Students can learn to depict a winter scene with basic shapes and limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, hills, and trees.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a muted gray.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of white for the snow-covered ground.
- step 04
Paint the buildings using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 05
Add the trees with simple brushstrokes, suggesting snow on the branches.
- step 06
Paint the figures with basic shapes and limited detail.
- step 07
Add details like windows, doors, and paths.
- step 08
Refine the snow texture with small dots and dashes.
color palette
primary · titanium white · payne's gray · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · sap green
Mix white with small amounts of blue and gray to create various shades of snow. Use red and yellow for the buildings, and mix greens for the trees.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·simplified shapes
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →overcomplicating the details
- →using too many colors
- →not establishing a clear focal point
- →making the figures too realistic
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Acrylic paints are recommended for their fast drying time, making layering easier. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 inches) is suitable for this project.
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