plate no. 6659

Randegg in the snow with ravens

Otto Dix, 1935

oilExpressionismcityscapevillagesnowravenstreesbuildingswinter

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex textures like snow and bare branches, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of muted colors.
step 03
Begin layering in the snow on the rooftops and ground, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, including windows, doors, and textures.
step 05
Paint the bare branches of the trees, focusing on their intricate structure.
step 06
Introduce the ravens, paying attention to their anatomy and perspective.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze the sky with a thin layer of color to create the desired atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ivory black

secondary · burnt sienna · Prussian blue · yellow ochre

Mix white with small amounts of umber and sienna to create various shades of snow. Use black and blue for the ravens, adding touches of brown for warmth.

techniques