plate no. 1083
Standing by
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting realistic animal anatomy and rendering atmospheric perspective in a snowy landscape. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the horse, building, and figure, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin refining the details of the horse, focusing on its anatomy and musculature.
- step 04
Add details to the building, including the texture of the logs and the snow on the roof.
- step 05
Paint the figure entering the building, using dark values to create a sense of depth.
- step 06
Develop the snowy ground, using subtle variations in value and color to create a sense of texture and depth.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the horse's harness, the sled, and the broom.
- step 08
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ivory black
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to cool down the grays and create a sense of atmosphere.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value studies
- ·grisaille underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Failing to accurately depict the anatomy of the horse.
- →Creating a flat, lifeless snow scene by not varying the values and colors.
- →Ignoring the principles of perspective when painting the building.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to allow for subtle blending. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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