plate no. 9376

Snowy Landscape With Ditch

Jan Mankes, 1913

oilSymbolismlandscapesnowlandscapewaterfieldbirdshaystack

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to mix subtle variations of a limited color palette to create depth and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line and major compositional elements (water, field, haystack).
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
step 03
Establish the basic tones of the water using a darker blue-gray, paying attention to subtle value changes.
step 04
Paint the snow-covered field with varying shades of white and gray, indicating the planes and shadows.
step 05
Add the haystack, focusing on its form and the snow covering it.
step 06
Paint the distant trees and windmills with muted colors to create depth.
step 07
Add the birds as small, dark accents to create movement and interest.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed to achieve the desired atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, blue, and umber. Use more blue for cooler tones in the sky and water, and more umber for warmer tones in the snow and foreground.

techniques