Winter snowy scene study

Snowy scene in winter is enchanted. But I always feel hesitated to paint it. After the timely practice of hamburger, I know I have to step forward to try a actual snowy scene to expand my painting territory.

I choose a snow covered fern to start with. And I separate background and foreground in different layers. More layers than I used to but each layer consumes (a little bit) less time.

First, let me present the finished painting.

Then, here are some snapshots by my phone during the process. The first 3 snapshots have no filter. The last one has a filter by phone.

Each layer I am able to put a little bit more details and correct some colors/value. Finally, it gets to the point that I can no longer make it “better”. Then I stop. I should start with the background first but I was so eager to know how the fern would come out. Logically, it would be more straightforward if I start with background, then working towards the foreground.

Finished Snow Covered Fern, Oil on Canvas board, 8″ × 10″

This little piece give me the experience and confidence I need to proceed more winter snowy scene paintings. I enjoy wintery scenes and I hope you enjoy it too~ ❤

PS: Since I live in Minnesota now, I’m thinking maybe I can go outside to paint a landscape during the winter?

No, maybe not. I prefer my fireplace in the winter. ^_^

Posted by

My paintings are an outlet to express the imagination I have inside my head that I can not put into words. After trying many mediums, I always find myself coming back to paint and brushes. In my current artistic practice, I use oil paint and mainly create portraits of mythical creatures and animals transfixed in the shifting colours of seascapes and landscapes. There is a natural spirit and magic to these creatures and their energy draws me in. Choosing to paint these creatures as real living wildlife rather than abstractions, I use bold and vivid colours to express the imaginary intertwined with reality, finding magic between the seams. Using a saturated colour palette, I create bold and striking imagery, contrasted between foreground and background, subject and landscape, and light and darkness. Weaving their bodies and the surface of the landscape into each other through organic forms and flowing brush strokes, I find beauty, strength and innocence in these creatures that reflect my inner world.