IN THIS LESSON

In this lesson, we will create a serene winter landscape that captures the delicate play of light over snow-covered ground.

The scene balances cool blues and greens with the warm glow of a winter sunrise, using shadows and highlights to bring depth, atmosphere, and movement to the composition.

You’ll explore key techniques such as glazing to build layers of color and create soft transitions, mark making to add texture and natural detail, and blocking to establish the structure of the scene. We’ll also focus on mixing colors to achieve the perfect blend of cool and warm tones.

By the end of this class, you’ll have mastered the skills to capture the stillness of winter while adding vibrant light to your canvas.

lesson includes:

  • Color Mixing: Mixing chart is included.

  • Materials list will be provided.

  • Color Theory: Understanding how to balance cool tones with warm highlights for depth and atmosphere.

  • Composition Tips: What is composition based on negative space and how to create it.

  • Glazing Technique: What it is and how to glaze instructions.

  • Mark-Making: Learn to use brushstrokes to capture texture and light, key to Impressionist styles.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Detailed guidance on creating the background wash, painting the stream, composing trees and horizon, refining light and atmosphere, adding shadows, and finishing with final glazes.

Final Notes: Keep practicing and exploring advanced techniques in future lessons.

  • Acrylic Paints (Matte or Craft):

    • Titanium White

    • Mars Black

    • Burnt Sienna

    • Burnt Umber

    • Cadmium Yellow (or Yellow Ochre)

    • Ultramarine Blue

    • Sap Green

    • Hooker’s Green

    Brushes:

    • Flat brush (medium) – for background washes

    • Round brush (small) – for details

    Other Supplies:

    • Canvas or thick acrylic paper

    • Water container

    • Paper towels or cloth

    • Palette for mixing colors