plate no. 9537

Monastery ruins in the snow

oilRomanticismlandscapetreesruinssnowskyfiguresgraveyard

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through layering and value changes. Students will also practice rendering complex tree branch structures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the ruins and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash, blending it softly.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the trees and ruins with a dark brown or black.
step 04
Add the mid-tones to the trees and ruins, creating form and detail.
step 05
Paint the snow-covered ground with a mix of white, gray, and blue, paying attention to the subtle variations in color.
step 06
Add the figures and tombstones in the foreground, keeping them small and simple.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees, adding branches and twigs.
step 08
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to create atmosphere and depth.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Payne's gray

Mix Prussian blue and burnt umber to create the dark tones for the trees and ruins. Use titanium white to lighten the colors and create the snow. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm up the grays.

techniques