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 3Limited value study

Step 3 — Limited value study (video frame from the lesson)

Create a Limited Value Study

Focus on maintaining the integrity of your No Tan design. Observe the dark shapes in the foreground, such as the grasses, and keep them consistent with the No Tan design even if you know light will eventually fall on them. This helps preserve the overall balance and design of your composition.

Pro tipKeep dark shapes consistent with your No Tan design to maintain balance in your composition.

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.