plate no. 3203
Winter at Barbizon
Ion Andreescu, 1881
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the subtle color variations in snow. It also provides practice in depicting bare tree branches and architectural forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: buildings, road, and tree lines.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of muted blue-gray.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of snow with varying shades of white and gray.
- step 04
Add the darker tones of the buildings and trees, focusing on their forms.
- step 05
Develop the details of the tree branches, using a fine brush.
- step 06
Introduce subtle color variations in the snow to create depth and interest.
- step 07
Add the figures in the distance with minimal detail.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and edges as needed.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · payne's gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining white, blue, and umber. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna sparingly to warm up the snow and building tones.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Using pure white for snow without considering shadows
- →Creating flat, lifeless snow
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to help create the broken color effect. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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