Step-by-step painting guide

First Snow

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

From the online lesson First Snow · Download the printable PDF

As we embark on this painting journey together, I am thrilled to introduce you to our first workshop, aptly named 'First Snow.' This lesson is inspired by a photograph I captured during one of my painting adventures in the stunning Crown Range above Queenstown, in New Zealand's South Island. This scene, with its dramatic interplay of light and shadow, offers a perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of snow-covered landscapes. In this chapter, we'll dive into the art of balancing warm and cool color variations, and the expressive brushwork that brings a painting to life. You'll learn how to simplify complex scenes by joining dark shapes, creating a strong, cohesive design that avoids clutter and maintains balance. As you paint, feel free to exercise your artistic license—move elements, alter colors, and make the scene your own. This is your chance to create a captivating piece of art that invites viewers into its serene, wintry embrace. Let's get started and enjoy the process of bringing this beautiful snow scene to life on canvas.

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson
"First Snow" by Richard Robinson.
"First Snow" by Richard Robinson.

Step 15Enhancing background and depth

Step 15 — Enhancing background and depth (video frame from the lesson)

Add Reflected Light

Use a warmer grey to add a touch of reflected light to the scene. This will help create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

Strengthen Background Trees

Apply the same grey to enhance the trees in the background. This strengthens their presence and adds depth to the painting.

Introduce Warm and Cool Variations

Add warm variations to the trees, then place cooler notes next to them. This contrast enhances the visual interest and depth.

Soften Edges

Soften the edges of the trees and mountains to create a more natural transition. This helps integrate elements smoothly into the background.

Add Snow to Mountains

Apply a subdued snow color to the mountains, ensuring it is less bright than the foreground snow. This creates a sense of distance and perspective.

Incorporate Distant Details

Add subtle details like small shapes or hints of structures to suggest houses or other elements. This draws the viewer's eye into the distance.

Pro tipSoften edges to create natural transitions and integrate elements into the background.

Summary & key takeaways

Embark on your painting journey by focusing on a strong No Tan design. Simplify your composition by joining dark shapes and ensuring that major elements are well-placed within the frame. As you progress, maintain the integrity of your design by keeping dark shapes consistent, even as you introduce light and color.

Develop your painting with a thoughtful approach to color and texture. Use the thin to thick painting technique to add depth, and explore warm and cool color relationships to create vibrancy. Don't hesitate to start over if foundational issues arise, as a strong base is crucial for a successful painting.

As you add details, focus on creating texture and depth through gradients and varied edges. Use a palette knife to introduce randomness and avoid uniformity, ensuring your painting remains dynamic and engaging. Finally, enhance the background and add final touches to bring your scene to life, culminating in a personal signature that marks your work as complete.

Points to remember
  • Join dark shapes to simplify and strengthen your design.
  • Maintain consistency in dark shapes to preserve balance.
  • Use warm and cool color variations for vibrancy.
  • Don't be afraid to start over if the foundation is flawed.
  • Use a grid to accurately transfer and enlarge your drawing.
  • Use gradients to add depth and avoid flat areas.
  • Use a palette knife to add random texture and avoid uniformity.
  • Use minimal strokes when adding lighter values to prevent mud.