plate no. 4640
Painting in winter
Ivan Generalić, 1964
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve muted tones and practice simplified representation of figures and landscapes. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in seemingly simple subjects.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background mountains.
- step 03
Paint the figures (artist and rooster) using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 04
Add details to the painting within the painting, focusing on the dead chicken.
- step 05
Define the snow-covered ground and the fence.
- step 06
Refine the details on the figures, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Add the small trees and other details in the background.
- step 08
Let dry and add a thin layer of varnish if desired.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · sap green
Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of red for the sky. Use ultramarine blue and white for the mountains, adding a touch of burnt umber for shadows. Mix red and burnt umber for the artist's clothing.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·simplified shading
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →overcomplicating the shapes
- →using colors that are too bright
- →not paying attention to proportions
- →getting lost in details too early
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a smooth canvas for easier application of flat colors. Acrylics are a good choice for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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