plate no. 4591
Midnight Mass
Clarence Gagnon, 1933
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes. It also provides practice in mixing muted colors and capturing the subtle variations in snow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the overall composition, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the sky and snow-covered ground.
- step 03
Establish the dark values of the buildings and trees, creating contrast.
- step 04
Add the details of the buildings, such as windows and doors.
- step 05
Paint the figures and horse-drawn sleds, focusing on their silhouettes.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 07
Add the final details, such as the light emanating from the windows.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and adjust the color temperature.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian
Mix various shades of gray by combining white, blue, and umber. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create warm browns for the buildings. Add a touch of red to the snow to create a sense of warmth.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too bright and saturated.
- →Not paying attention to the perspective of the buildings.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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