plate no. 1403

Pine Tree and Red House, Winter City

Lawren Harris, 1924

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapehousesnowtreewinterlandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding color temperature in shadows and highlights. It also encourages experimentation with texture using visible brushstrokes.

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 house, tree, and snowdrifts, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, house, tree trunk, and snow using diluted paint.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows on the house, snow, and tree.
step 04
Introduce the lighter values to create highlights on the snow and the sunlit areas of the house.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the snowdrifts and add texture using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the details of the windows, shutters, and roof, paying attention to their color and value.
step 07
Add final touches to the tree branches and snow-covered foliage.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.

color palette

primary · red-orange · white · blue

secondary · green · purple · yellow

Mix white with small amounts of blue and purple to create the cool tones of the snow shadows. Use orange and red with small amounts of brown and black to create the house's color variations.

techniques