plate no. 6888

Sleet Storm (After the Ice Storm)

Charles E. Burchfield, 1920

oilNew Realismlandscapehousesnowtreesfigurewinterlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth using value and color temperature. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the house, trees, and figure, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a light wash, indicating the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker values of the house and trees, using a limited palette of grays and browns.
step 04
Add the snow, using a slightly lighter value of gray and white, and vary the texture to create depth.
step 05
Paint the figure with simple shapes and values, suggesting form without excessive detail.
step 06
Introduce subtle color variations to the windows and door to add interest.
step 07
Add the details of the branches and icicles, using thin lines and varying the pressure to create depth.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · gray · white · brown

secondary · teal · red

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of brown and black. Use a touch of blue to cool the grays for the snow and shadows.

techniques

·value studies
·atmospheric perspective
·limited palette
·dry brushing
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
→Using too much color and creating a painting that is too vibrant.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Not varying the texture of the snow to create depth.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brush
·palette
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·masking fluid
·kneaded eraser
·ruler

Using high-quality watercolor paper will help prevent buckling and allow for multiple layers of paint. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.

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