plate no. 6208
Selling Pretzels (Waiting for Christmas)
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the figures' clothing, the snow, and the sky.
- step 03
Begin adding layers of paint, focusing on capturing the subtle color variations in the snow and clothing.
- step 04
Use short, visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
- step 05
Pay attention to the direction of light and shadow to create depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures' faces and clothing.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw sienna · payne's gray · cadmium yellow light
Mix white with small amounts of blue and yellow ochre to create the cool tones in the snow. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create the warm tones in the figures' clothing. Add small amounts of blue to darken shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Not capturing the subtle color variations in the snow.
- →Ignoring the direction of light and shadow.
- →Getting lost in details too early.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, ultramarine blue)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
