plate no. 4978
The Snow Queen on the Throne of Ice
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in rendering translucent materials like ice and fabric, and in creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. Students will also learn to create a focal point through composition and detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, throne, and background.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background with a diluted wash.
- step 03
Begin layering the ice throne with light blues and whites, defining the planes.
- step 04
Paint the figure's dress with thin washes of blue, suggesting folds and details.
- step 05
Add details to the figure's face, hair, and jewelry.
- step 06
Refine the ice textures with dry brushing and subtle value shifts.
- step 07
Add final details like the reflections in the water and highlights on the ice.
- step 08
Glaze the entire painting with a very diluted wash of blue to unify the colors.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Payne's Gray
secondary · Raw Umber · Alizarin Crimson
Mix blues and whites for the ice and figure. Use Payne's Gray for the darkest shadows. Add a touch of Raw Umber to the blue for warmer shadows.
techniques
- ·Glazing
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Layering
- ·Value studies
- ·Limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Making the ice look too opaque.
- →Losing the subtle value shifts.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
materials
surface · Watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·Watercolor paper 140lb
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·Prussian Blue watercolor
- ·Titanium White watercolor
- ·Payne's Gray watercolor
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
optional
- ·Masking fluid
- ·Palette knife
- ·Gouache
Use high-quality watercolor paper to allow for multiple layers and glazing. Consider using masking fluid to preserve the highlights on the jewelry.
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