plate no. 2364

Return from the Inn

Pieter Brueghel the Younger

oilNorthern Renaissancegenre paintingwintervillagefiguressnowbuildingstrees

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main elements like the buildings, figures, and trees.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the buildings.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, snow, buildings, and figures using thin washes.
step 04
Develop the details of the buildings, including the windows, roofs, and textures.
step 05
Add the figures, paying attention to their poses and interactions.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees and branches, adding snow where appropriate.
step 07
Create depth by layering the snow and adding subtle variations in color and value.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · red ochre

secondary · Prussian blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of raw umber and blue to create the snowy landscape. Use red ochre for the buildings and figures, and mix greens from blue and yellow for clothing.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·layering

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early without establishing the overall composition.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and perspective.
→Using colors that are too saturated and not reflecting the muted tones of winter.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial layers.