Beginning with a graded wash.

Members had already drawn a light sketch of the scene. We started the painting by doing a graded wash for the sky using cobalt blue. A damp rag was used to lift out the clouds. Rose Madder or Alizarin Crimson was added to the cobalt blue to make a grey for the background distant hills and trees.

Tones of blue and grey were added for the snow and textures in the lane and field. Side brush strokes proved useful and these were then softened with "Dave's rag"

We turned the painting upside down to paint the lower part of the sky. Rose Madder or Alizarin was added to the cobalt blue for this graded wash - giving a rosy to the lower sky. A stronger tone of this was used to put darker shading on the foreground snow and trees.

Dave's rag was used again to "dabtouch" some small branches to enhance the shape of the tree. A touch of raw sienna and sap green was used for some of the foreground grasses. Burnt sienna and cobalt was used for the darker foreground tones and area under the tree.

Enjoying the challenge

Colour mixing suggestions.

Dave worked his way round the group providing advice and encouragement.

Dave demonstrating how it is done.

Having a closer look. Dave providing technical guidance.

The final shadows were done in cobalt blue, this immediately gave the impression of bright sunlight on the snow. Blue shadows were also added to the tree trunk and some additional twigs.

Another enjoyable afternoon, quite a challenging painting but we felt we had learned some useful techniques for painting a snow scene. We just need some snow so that we can get more practice. Amazingly 3 days later the whole country was covered in a blanket of snow. So if you can't get to work - do some painting!

Group 1 finished results