Winter in Art

WINTER, blah! It's cold, dark, damp, dreary, dismal, snowy, cloudy, everything is covered in white. Yet winter scenes have been a mainstay in landscape paintings for centuries.

"Way Home"  by Ed Kane 2" x 3" 

Winter is a time of rest and restoration. A blanket of clean white is laid upon the country side. A peaceful tranquility is transmitted in the dawn of the day and again at dusk. The atmosphere has an effect on the lighting, and the reflection of light upon this crisp blanket.

"Autumn Hanging On"  by Ed Kane  9" x 12" watercolor

 I'm not a scientist so I'm not going to explain the scientific reasons as to what the causes and effects are. But if you go out at different times of the day after a snowfall (besides to shovel it) take a moment and look at the light changes, look into the shadows and see the cool shades. See how the sun reflects off the snow. Observe the color changes in the sky. Now look at several pieces of winter scenes that have been done by artists in the past. Here is a link to 10 pieces of winter scenes, http://voices.yahoo.com/10-artworks-winter-study-7572890.html

As you look and study these, consider what you can do in the warmth of your home studio. Yet if you want to venture out, dress in layers, take precautions, keep your feet warm & dry or paint in your car. I found too many articles pertaining to this subject for me to list here, just search for "plein air painting in winter" and your screen will be filled with tips from other artists. The most important thing is that you are safe, warm and having fun.

Keep warm and keep painting

Ed Kane