plate no. 8726
The Sun Had Closed the Winter Day
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the subtle color variations in snow and light. Students will also practice rendering soft textures and creating a sense of depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the sheep, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral tone.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a gradient of yellows, oranges, and reds, blending softly.
- step 04
Add the dark masses of the trees, paying attention to the shapes and negative spaces.
- step 05
Begin layering the snow, using cool whites and grays, and indicating the shadows.
- step 06
Paint the sheep with a mix of browns, creams, and grays, suggesting their woolly texture.
- step 07
Add details like the branches, fence, and footprints in the snow.
- step 08
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium orange · raw sienna
Mix cool grays for the snow shadows by combining white, umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the warm sunset glow by blending yellows, oranges, and reds, diluted with medium for smooth transitions.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·soft blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using pure white for the snow without considering the subtle color variations.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, burnt umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, cadmium orange)
- ·linseed oil or painting medium
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags or paper towels
optional
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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