Plein Air Painting a Snowy Stream

Painting snow and water

I needed respite, from the long covid constricted winter inside our home.  With icy roads and a beautiful walking path just behind the house, I decided to walk and search for an inspiring spot to paint.  I didn’t have to walk far.  As I wandered next to a nearby stream, I found the perfect spot.  The stream made a lovely S-curve leading into the woods surrounded by snowy banks.  I headed back to the house to grab my plein air backpack and some toe warmers.

The stream ripples over the rocks and twigs, heading from the lake to the sea.

Stream under the Bridge
Luna on the woods path

Plein air painting a snowy creek - step by step

Step 1 - Have your paint on the palette and tone your canvas ahead of time
Snow Stream Indian Lake Oil Painting
Step 2. Block in with warm tonals and start laying in darks
Snow Stream Indian Lake Oil Painting
Step 3. When your brushes and paint freeze (along with your toes) call it a day
'Snowy stream' Painted en plein air at Indian Lake, S.K. 8 x 10 in framed in antique silver

A few notes on using water miscible oil paints in below freezing temperatures...

Lessons learned through trial and error today:  Do not rinse brushes with water when it is below freezing.  Instead, bring enough brushes for lights and darks and wipe the brush as  needed with paper towel. Use medium rather than water to thin the paint.  Bring something to stand on (carpet, towel) so that your feet don’t freeze.  My toe warmers left over from skiing did not cut it for several hours standing in the cold. 

‘Respite’ Plein Air Oil Painting 8×10 oil on linen

 

Snow Stream Indian Lake Oil Painting

Supplies:

Fredrix Pro Linen Panel 8×10

Cobra Water Soluble Oils: Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine blue, Alizirin Crimson,  Titanium White

Duo Painting Medium

Rosemary brushes

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