plate no. 8116
Winter Scene in Holland
Johan Jongkind, 1865
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork and creating atmospheric perspective. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
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, placing the horizon line, windmills, and figures.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose, horizontal brushstrokes.
- step 03
Establish the dark shapes of the windmills and trees.
- step 04
Add the base color for the ice, a mix of grays and browns.
- step 05
Begin adding highlights and shadows to the ice to create the illusion of texture and reflection.
- step 06
Paint the figures with simple shapes, focusing on their silhouettes.
- step 07
Add details to the windmills and trees, using dry brush techniques for texture.
- step 08
Refine the sky and ice, blending colors and adding subtle variations.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of gray by combining white, blue, and umber. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna to create warm tones for the foreground and highlights on the ice. Add a touch of red to the figures for interest.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Making the colors too saturated and bright.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not simplifying the figures enough, making them appear stiff.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
A slightly textured canvas will help to create the broken color effect. Use a limited palette to maintain color harmony.
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