plate no. 7821

Winter in Saint-Sauves-d'Auvergne

Armand Guillaumin, 1900

oilImpressionismcityscapevillagesnowmountainstreesbuildingswinter

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow on a snowy landscape. Students can also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use brushstrokes to suggest detail rather than rendering it precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, mountains, and trees.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall perspective of the scene.
step 03
Block in the main color areas: sky, mountains, snow, buildings, and trees.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and form, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, trees, and snow, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the overall balance of the painting.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · violet

Mix white with small amounts of blue and violet for the sky and snow shadows. Use burnt sienna and red for the buildings, and mix greens from blue and yellow for the evergreens.

techniques