My woods in January

For years I’ve been using the same colour mixture for shadows on snow: Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue, and a bit of Alizarin. But for this week’s version of the woods close to my house, I tried something that I’ve used once or twice before: Indanthrene Blue. It’s a very deep blue but when you dilute it, the pale version is really nice for skies as well as shadows, and not as granulating as Cerulean (sometimes the granulation can be distracting!) For this painting, I contrasted the cool blue with Burnt Sienna for the distant buildings, and added a little bit of Indigo for the darkest darks.


26 Comments on “My woods in January”

  1. Kristin Johnsen says:

    Wow – really love the mood of this one!

  2. Linda Murray says:

    In awe- just love it!

  3. Chris Rusk says:

    So cold-ish – just like today 😉

    Really nice.

  4. karim waked says:

    So great every time, blessed Shari xx

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  5. tylaraduncan says:

    Your other winter scenes always remind me of Canada, but this one is even more Canadian!

  6. Mary says:

    Love this one! The Sienna against the blue is stunning.

  7. lollybette says:

    With the different blues, in this painting, the darkness seems more intense and I think it must be a colder day. I love all your work.

  8. lois says:

    I like this color–adds a bit of drama to the painting.

  9. Marilyn Hansen says:

    This is beautiful Shari! I love how fluffy and lush your snow looks. I will have to try the color mixtures you use. Always love to mix and experiment. Your Winter workshop really helps me out with snow (I’m not a snow person, but painting it is a fun challenge!)

  10. Susan says:

    Lovely painting Shari..I must check into this blue you talk about. Is this one of your larger works or is a sketchbook special? Happy New Year

  11. beth says:

    Really sets the winter stage beautifully

  12. larkintn says:

    So interesting! ASA a beginner painter, I would not have known that the mixture would make so much difference.

  13. De says:

    I can feel the chill in the air. Beautifully done! I LOVE Indanthrene blue.

  14. Donna says:

    I like the look of that blue!!! Will get it soon. Using a limited palette is so rewarding when you pick the right colors. Thank you.

  15. Judy Sopher says:

    All your shadows are exceptional. I agree with the above comments that you can feel the cold. I have been using Idanthrene Blue but not for shadows like these so will try it. And– this is a lovely painting.

  16. Bettina says:

    I can only agree with the previous comment. The shadows with Indanthrene Blue are really exceptional. Very lovely! I adore you snow paintings!

  17. Susie Langley says:

    Like those snow shadows and thanks for info on watercolors used. Want to try.

  18. Good Evening dear friend Shari,

    Indeed this is a masterpiece.

    Blessings
    Uma


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