plate no. 3147
The Lair of the Lynx
Akseli Gallen-Kallela, 1906
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 layering and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering tree bark texture and the interplay of light and shadow in a winter landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the snow-covered rocks and trees, focusing on composition.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, leaving space for the trees.
- step 03
Establish the dark values of the rocks and tree trunks using a mix of browns and blacks.
- step 04
Begin layering the snow with white, adding hints of blue, violet, and gray to represent shadows and reflected light.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the snowdrifts, paying attention to the curves and contours.
- step 06
Add details to the tree trunks, such as bark texture and knots.
- step 07
Paint the distant trees with muted greens and browns.
- step 08
Add final highlights to the snow and trees to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw sienna · violet · black
Mix white with small amounts of blue and violet to create cool shadows in the snow. Use burnt umber and raw sienna for the tree trunks, adding black for darker areas. Mix blue and umber for the dark rocks.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·value control
common pitfalls
- →Overusing pure white, resulting in a flat and unrealistic snow effect.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the snow shadows.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through layering and value changes.
- →Getting lost in details too early in the process.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·black oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture.
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