Early winter
Posted: December 8, 2020 Filed under: Uncategorized 43 CommentsIn December the snow comes and goes, and it’s usually not until January that we have a solid base that lasts until the spring. Last week we were out on a walk in my favourite wooded area near the house. In the early morning the sun was low and the shadows long. I snapped a quick photo and painted it later in the day from home. The snow is gone now, the woods are back to shades of brown, but I am patient. It will be back soon. Painted on a pad of Arches CP paper, using lots of Burnt Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, and my favourite blues for snow: Ultramarine, Cobalt and Cerulean.

Wonderfully evocative. I feel I’m right there.
More snow is on the way!
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Yes, the snow is here. It’s so much nicer outside today. I hope you paint a snow scene too!!
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We don’t get snow in Austin, Texas and I really enjoy your winter scenes!. I can feel the chill. Would you please post the photograph you drew this from so I can see your interpretation?
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HI Sherry, I can’t add attachments to my blog comments, unfortunately! But I will try to remember to do that next time.
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Just beautiful. Love those little flicks of gold leaves still hanging out in the branches.
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Yes, at this time of year there are still a few leaves hanging around. Makes for some nice bits of colour.
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No one does snow better!
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Ah, Denise, thank you but there are some great snow painters. I probably just do it more often!!
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Beautiful
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Thanks Sandi!
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Nice scene of the snow, whatever happened to the day when snow stayed in early December. Its strange how the climate is changing.
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Very strange Shawn, but I did read something from a meteorologist who said that in Eastern Canada we will have a cold winter and lots of snow. Let’s see if that’s true.
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Just lovely. Fresh snow is so calming and inspiring.
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I agree. When it’s snowing outside I feel calmer. Not sure why that is.
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OMG Shari that is just plain amazing. Centuries from now when we talk about the “masters,” in art, we definitely will be talking about your work!
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Richard, that is so kind but I really don’t know what to say.
No, not a master, just persistent. I keep churning them out. Sometimes I get a good one. Lots go in the recycling. But glad you like it.
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Lovely! And great colors for the snow. Thank you for the advice Shari!
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Thanks so much Marilyn.
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Beautiful, as always. It brings to mind an earlier composition from last year (or before?) at the same location. The rocks add so much to the composition and the arc they create provides so much foreground interest. The backlighting adds immensely to the drama. Terrific, especially knowing it was done after the fact from a photo (not your usual preference).
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Thanks Jeff. Yes, I have painted this little bit of woods near my house many times. Sometimes there is more snow, sometimes there is less. I’ve never done it “en plein air” though. It’s always in the studio because it’s too cold now to paint outside. It’s always better on a sunny day!
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Your favorite, and one of mine, Shari! Love everything about this painting. The colors, the shadows, the rocks. I feel like I am standing in those woods- cold, quiet and the crunch of my boots in the snow. Just beautiful!
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Thanks so much Linda. Yes, this scene is a favourite of mine!
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wow – love the frocks and snow between – so nice
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Thank you!!
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😊❄️❄️❄️
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This week I’ve been inspired by seeing the shadows from the low December sun. But I seem to lack confidence in my skill to paint that subject.
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Laura, if you lack confidence, do something small. I do that often when I am not sure what colours or values to use. If they work well in the smaller version, I enlarge it.
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Great suggestion. I already do that with my quilting and knitting projects, it’s time to try it with my paintings.
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Beautiful. The color combination makes it.
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Thanks so much Carmel!
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I’d love you to do a course on painting snow. This is beautiful – so evocative of feeling.
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Mary, I’m hoping to do a course on snow really soon!!
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Shari–I love your snow scenes. That blue really makes me shiver–so realistic!
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Thanks Lois. I love painting snow, as you know. I can’t wait for it to arrive each year. I never felt like that until I started painting!
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Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful shadows….oh my!
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Thank you so much Bernadette.
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Shari, you make Winter look good. Beautiful shadows. Carol
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Thanks Carol. Winter IS beautiful.
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Absolutely beautiful Shari! I love the lighting.
Stephanie
From: The Sketchbook Reply-To: The Sketchbook Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 8:36 AM To: Subject: [New post] Early winter
Shari Blaukopf posted: ” In December the snow comes and goes, and it’s usually not until January that we have a solid base that lasts until the spring. Last week we were out on a walk in my favourite wooded area near the house. In the early morning the sun was low and the shadow”
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Wonderful shadows on the snow!!! You make it look so easy, but I know it isn’t. Well done!
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Thanks Joan! No, it wasn’t easy. I think I started this one three times!!
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Very nicely done. I love the effects of the shadows on the snow!
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Thanks so much!
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