Painting Snow

"Late Afternoon Light" Oil on Canvas Panel

Ohio normally doesn't get lots of snow in the Cincinnati area. This year has been quite different. It's not that we get huge amounts at one time. We have been getting a small dusting amount up to around 6 inches at a time. It usually melts then we get another round. Last weeks snow has melted already and there is snow once again on the ground. These images are from last weeks snow.

I love painting snow scenes. The older I get the harder it is on my arthritic knees though. It seems I get out less and less and stay out less. I have been trying to take advantage of the snows this year. Below are images of my painting process.


This is a scene directly behind my studio. I used my EasyL for this outing. I love the quick set up and take down it offers. This is the one easel I use the most when plein air painting.

I used mineral spirits and a mixture of alizarin crimson and cad orange as a wash to indicate where things go. I spend very little time doing this.

At this stage I paint in the largest tonal shapes and my shadows.

Here I am still working with and refining the largest tonal shapes and shadows

Once I have all my large shapes in and the canvas covered, I start refining and creating smaller shapes to indicate details and atmosphere.

It's a little blurry in this image but this is the final product.

I am hoping to get even more this winter. Tomorrow I will be painting in the same area. We have about 6 inches on the ground and it is threatening to add a little more tonight and tomorrow. It should be a great day for plein air painting.