plate no. 1898
Monument in the Snow
T. C. Steele, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict snow and light using color temperature and value, and how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in capturing the atmosphere of a winter scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the monument, lampposts, and figures.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall perspective of the scene.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the distant background.
- step 04
Apply the base color for the snow, considering the shadows and highlights.
- step 05
Begin adding details to the monument and lampposts, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 06
Paint the figures, simplifying their forms and using color to suggest their clothing.
- step 07
Refine the details of the snow, adding texture and variations in color.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · alizarin crimson · ivory black
Mix various shades of white with blue and a touch of sienna to create the cool tones of the snow. Combine sienna, yellow ochre, and white for the warm tones of the monument. Use crimson and black sparingly for the figures.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·color temperature
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the snow and losing the sense of light and air.
- →Making the colors too saturated and not capturing the muted tones of winter.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle shifts in color temperature.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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