plate no. 5616

Noël au Noirda

oilImpressionismlandscapecoastlinesnowcliffsseabuildingfigure

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in mixing muted colors and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky and sea with thin washes of color, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Add the distant cliffs and hills, using lighter values and cooler colors to create atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Paint the snow-covered foreground, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add the details of the rocks, building, and figure, using thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and form.
step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · titanium white · payne's gray · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, Payne's gray, and a touch of raw umber. Use yellow ochre and a small amount of red to create the warmer tones in the rocks and buildings. Add viridian to the grays for the sea and distant hills.

techniques