plate no. 6838

Mountain Creek

oilImpressionismlandscapesnowbarnmountainstreeswaterlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for snow and water, as well as layering techniques to create depth and texture in a landscape. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use brushstrokes to convey form and light.

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, barn, trees, and water, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes, blending colors for the clouds and atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the large areas of snow with varying shades of white, gray, and blue, capturing the light and shadows.
step 04
Paint the mountains and trees in the background, using cooler colors to create depth.
step 05
Add the barn with its distinct red color, paying attention to its form and the snow on its roof.
step 06
Develop the water with blues, greens, and reflections, suggesting movement and depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees, snowdrifts, and rocks, adding texture with varied brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · viridian green

Mix various shades of white with blue, yellow, and umber to create the subtle colors of snow. Combine blue and yellow with white for the water, and red with umber for the barn.

techniques