plate no. 0489

The Frozen Pool, March

Willard Metcalf, 1909

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscaperiversnowtreeswinterlandscapeice

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing the subtle color variations in snow and water, as well as creating depth through atmospheric perspective and layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the river's flow and the placement of the trees.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of gray and white.
step 03
Block in the dark masses of the trees in the background, using a mix of dark greens and browns.
step 04
Add the snow-covered banks, paying attention to the subtle shadows and highlights.
step 05
Paint the river, layering different shades of gray, blue, and brown to create depth and reflections.
step 06
Add the bare trees and branches, using thin, delicate brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the ice formations and the texture of the snow.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

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

secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow · ivory black

Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the cool tones of the snow. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the bare trees and river banks. Add small amounts of black to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·layering
·atmospheric perspective
·color mixing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
→Making the snow too white and flat, without capturing the subtle color variations.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and distance in the landscape.
→Not paying attention to the reflections in the water.