Snow!!!

[acadianartist]

We actually got our first dump last weekend and I did get out, but the results were less than pleasing. I started out pulling my drawer out too far and dumping all my paint into the snow. Then when I squeezed out my white, I realized it was going to be uphill all the way. I had bought zinc white which turned into toothpaste in sub-zero temps (it was -7 Celcius that day). I struggled through, but was pretty discouraged by the end of it. Yesterday I went out again, tried the same scene again, and did not too much better (though the "soft formula" Grumbacher Titanium white performed much better).

But, no one will ever call me a quitter so I went out again this morning and am a little happier with the results. I really just meant to do a quick sketch so I didn't worry about covering up all the pink undertone of my panel. But then when I took a couple of steps back, I thought the pink added interest and brighted up the sunlit branches so I left it in. Didn't want to fuss with this one, just wanted to enjoy it.

The clearing, 8 x 10 oil on panel, in about an hour

[stapeliad]

It's so pretty!! GREAT light and color!

[RandyP]

Everything about the light is just stunning the way you captured it in this. Very well done, and letting the pink undertone show through in spots works very well. Also, good for you for getting out there! That shows your dedication!

Randy

[acadianartist]

Thanks so much Jessica and Randy. Love the clappers!

Randy - it was a splendid day to be out! The cold and snow are not a deterrent to me, in fact, I relish these moments. You just need to dress for it. Snow is a wonderful subject and as you can see, we have lots of it already! Snow completely transforms the landscape and if you look hard, you can see every colour of the rainbow in it. I used to dread winter, but since I've started plein air painting in the winter, I look forward to it!

I think I may add some yellow to the highlights now, especially in the foreground snow highlights. They are showing up quite white even though I mixed some cad yellow medium with my white. I also see some problem areas on the left side, that tree was closer to me and should come further down the panel. Or maybe I'll just leave this one for what it is - a somewhat unfinished sketch - and remember it for next time.

[Kmart]

Hi Chantal,
Nice piece! I like the bits of pink showing through.
It's fun to read about your adventures out there. I'm hoping for snow soon!

Kyle

[acadianartist]

Thanks for stopping by Kyle - hope you get that snow. Or course by March we'll be hoping for green again! Yes, painting in the winter is an adventure, but a worthwhile one.

I didn't have to go far for this one. 4 acres of our property is part of an old Xmas tree farm that was abandoned and these huge firs are very striking when they're loaded down with snow.

[yakker0117]

Wow!! You certainly captured the feeling of cold and the snow is stunning. Great shadows! This is excellent.

[acadianartist]

Why thanks yakker! Hoping to get out again on the weekend, especially if we can get another bright sunny day.

[arachosia]

Hey, nice snow colors and the tree are well rendered. I did notice a couple of things I thought I'd mention:

The composition is nearly symmetrical, as I tried to indicate here:



Also, the negative space betwen the pine trees looks exactly like another pine tree, albeit upside down:




I don't know if these are bad things, per se, but maybe something to think about.

[acadianartist]

Thanks Kris! Yes, I had noticed the symmetry. I did not follow the rule of thirds, make notans, use a split-complimentary palette, break down the large shapes in 3 or 5 values, nor did I reflect on the composition, but I did see it afterwards. I sometimes get tired of intellectualizing painting so much and just want to react to a scene! There are a lot of patterns in nature and I like the repetition of those patterns. Though I know it doesn't create the best composition, it is meditative and soothing to me. I do, however, agree that the nearer fir tree (on the left) needs to be brought down more which would make the painting less symmetrical. If this were a finished piece I'd want to frame, I'd probably do that, but I'd rather move on to the next one instead and call it a study!

[priyaa]

Hey Chantal,
Lovely work I agree that the pinkish-orange tone showing through looks great.
I also agree with Kris's observation, especially how the two trees look similar
It started snowing here yesterday. Haven't had the courage to go out and paint yet, too cold brrrr....
But looking at this, feel like finally taking the plunge.
Priya

[acadianartist]

Thanks Priya. You're both right - I am treating this one as a study. I like the lighting effect and the loose brushstrokes, but it doesn't feel like a finished painting to me. I did, however, learn a lot from doing this one and I am hoping to get back out and try for a finished painting. I will be sure to consider composition this time!

Unfortunately, we have lost all of our snow to rain these last couple of days. Oh well, it'll be back soon enough.

So dress warm and get out there and paint some winter scenes Priya!

[MichaelR]

Originally Posted by acadianartist

I sometimes get tired of intellectualizing painting so much and just want to react to a scene! There are a lot of patterns in nature and I like the repetition of those patterns. Though I know it doesn't create the best composition, it is meditative and soothing to me.

Very well said! Doing what comes naturally is important!

[Sezzan]

Chantel..This painting certainly looks as though someone enjoyed painting it. Good for a non quitter ! That alone makes the whole worthwhile.
And a bonus, the pink works ! I like it !

[acadianartist]

Thanks Micheal and Frank! I am hoping I can use what works in this painting and carry it over to my next sunny snow scene. So not only did I have fun doing it, I also learned a lot! That, to me, is the most successful kind of painting.