plate no. 4703

Sleigh ride on a sunny winter day

Peder Mørk Mønsted, 1919

oil, canvasAcademicismlandscapesnowtreesbirch treesroadhorsefigureskywinter landscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict snow realistically using subtle color variations and how to create depth through atmospheric perspective. It will also provide practice in painting realistic tree forms and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective of the road and the placement of the trees.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue wash, blending it smoothly.
step 03
Block in the large areas of snow, using a mix of white, blue, and a touch of brown for shadows.
step 04
Paint the distant trees and forest, focusing on creating a sense of depth through muted colors and soft edges.
step 05
Add the birch trees, paying attention to their unique bark patterns and branch structure.
step 06
Paint the road and the tracks in the snow, using darker values to create contrast and define the forms.
step 07
Add the figure and horse-drawn sleigh, keeping them small and detailed.
step 08
Refine the details, such as the shadows on the snow and the texture of the trees.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Mix white with small amounts of blue and brown to create the various shades of snow. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the tree trunks and branches. Add a touch of red to the blue for the sky to create a warmer tone.

techniques