plate no. 3408

View from the studio in Eerbeek

Jan Mankes, 1917

oilSymbolismlandscapelandscapesnowtreesfigurehedgesky

some experience helpful

This painting is good for learning about atmospheric perspective and creating depth with subtle color shifts. Students can practice layering and blending to achieve the soft, muted tones.

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 horizon line and the placement of the main elements (hedge, tree, figure).
step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray-green, blending it smoothly.
step 03
Establish the distant trees with a darker, muted green-brown, using soft edges.
step 04
Paint the snow-covered field with a cool white, adding subtle shadows and variations in tone.
step 05
Define the hedge with a mix of brown and green, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest the branches.
step 06
Add the figure with simple shapes and muted colors, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Paint the tree trunk and branches with varying shades of brown and gray, adding texture with dry brush techniques.
step 08
Add final details, such as the birds in the sky and the subtle variations in the snow.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · sap green

secondary · burnt sienna · payne's gray

Mix white with small amounts of raw umber and sap green to achieve the muted tones of the snow and sky. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to the hedge and figure.

techniques