plate no. 8514

Shadow

oilContemporary Realismlandscapetreessnowforestlandscapewintershadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and capturing the texture of snow and trees with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in shadows.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the snow-covered ground.
step 02
Establish the sky color with a thin wash of blue.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the trees and snow using simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin layering colors to define the form of the trees, using greens, browns, and whites.
step 05
Add shadows to the snow, using blues and purples to create depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the tree bark and branches, paying attention to the patterns and textures.
step 07
Add highlights to the snow to create a sense of light and sparkle.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · violet

Mix blues and whites for the sky and snow shadows. Combine browns and greens for the tree trunks and foliage. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques