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home·artworks·Winter city view with children
Winter city view with children by Jacob van Strij

plate no. 3036

Winter city view with children

Jacob van Strij

oilNeoclassicismgenre paintingchildrensnowbuildingsgoatwinterfigures
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic figures and architectural details, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in a winter scene. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of different materials like brick, wood, and snow.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and placement of figures and buildings.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main shapes and colors of the background buildings and the sky, focusing on atmospheric perspective.

  3. step 03

    Establish the basic values and colors of the figures, paying attention to the light source and shadows.

  4. step 04

    Develop the details of the brickwork and architectural elements, using a variety of brushstrokes and colors.

  5. step 05

    Add the snow, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and texture.

  6. step 06

    Refine the details of the figures, including their clothing and facial features.

  7. step 07

    Add the goat and other smaller details, such as the sled and the tree.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use Prussian blue to create cool shadows in the snow and buildings. Add small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to create warm highlights.

techniques

  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a clear light source.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated.
  • →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·Prussian blue oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

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