plate no. 3279

Monadnock, Winter Sunrise

Abbott Handerson Thayer, 1919

oilRealismlandscapemountainstreessnowskyforestsunrise

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using expressive brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, trees, and foreground.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the trees and mountain with dark browns and blues.
step 04
Add the lighter areas of the mountain and sky, blending the colors softly.
step 05
Begin adding details to the trees, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Introduce highlights on the mountain and snow, using lighter shades of yellow and pink.
step 07
Refine the details and add final touches to the trees and foreground.
step 08
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · raw sienna

Mix browns and blues to create the dark tones of the trees and mountain. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix pinks and yellows for the sunrise glow.

techniques