plate no. 0950
Tukkinuotiolla
Pekka Halonen, 1893
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students learn to depict figures in a landscape with a limited palette and practice capturing the effects of light and shadow in a winter scene. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere using color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
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 figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and snow.
- step 03
Establish the dark values in the figures and the forest.
- step 04
Begin to refine the shapes and details of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add the details of the fire and the surrounding snow, using small brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the details of the trees and the background.
- step 07
Add highlights to the snow and the figures to create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red
Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the dark tones of the figures and forest. Use titanium white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Add yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the firelight.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·color temperature
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Failing to create a strong sense of light and shadow.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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