plate no. 5140
Winter landscape
Ivan Tvorozhnikov, 1905
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques for snow and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It will also improve their ability to capture subtle color variations in a seemingly monochromatic scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, haystack, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
- step 03
Establish the dark shapes of the trees in the background, using a mix of browns and greens.
- step 04
Lay in the base color of the snow-covered ground, using a light, cool gray.
- step 05
Paint the haystack with warm browns and yellows, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 06
Add the snow on the haystack, using thick, textured brushstrokes.
- step 07
Paint the figure, paying attention to the folds and shadows in the clothing.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the branches of the trees and the subtle variations in the snow.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson
Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber for the snow. Use sienna and umber for the haystack, and crimson with umber for the figure's coat.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the snow, resulting in a flat, lifeless surface.
- →Failing to create depth in the background.
- →Using too much pure white, making the snow look unnatural.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the scene.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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