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Subject: "Snow?"

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Study and Teach Fine Art Techniques Charcoal and Pencil Drawings - Techniques by J.D. Hillberry Topic #238

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WarHorseLover

Member since Aug-26-02
185 posts, 4 feedbacks,

Dec-11-02, 01:30 PM ()

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"Snow?"

Hey guys!
I have a question about drawing snow. I am getting ready to go to New Mexico (Red River) for Christmas again this year and I will be taking another series of photo's. I have two commissions coming from that area and one is a cowboy (friend of my dad) who is on his horse in the middle of the river fly fishing. The banks have snow drifts on them. What is the best way to go about making snow look like snow? Graphite, charcoal, carbon? The only time I've done snow is with Edgar (the long ears aka Burro) This commission will be my biggest yet and most expensive so I want to make sure it is done to the best of my ability. Any tips would be great!

Steph
www.warhorselover.com

Bill_Johnston
Member since Nov-9-02
143 posts, 5 feedbacks,

Dec-11-02, 01:56 PM ()

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1. "RE: Snow?"

Hi Stephanie, I have never attempted snow, but you might want to look at some of Bob Timberlake's work. He has done some of the best snow scenes I have ever seen. I know he works in opaque watercolor, but most of it is white anyway (just a joke). All kidding aside, his winter scenes may prove to be valuable reference material for you. Good luck, I'm sure your new drawing will be outstanding. I can't wait to see it, hopefully as a WIP as well?

Bill

Marc Forest

Member since Aug-23-02
285 posts, 14 feedbacks, 27 points

Dec-11-02, 01:58 PM ()

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2. "RE: Snow?"

I'm in the middle of a snow scene myself.

I'm planning on using graphite with Chamious for the large sweeping area's and maybe some graphite with tortillion in the tighter areas, footsteps and things. I might also break it up with some sharp erasing.

In my shot there is no sun so i'm not dealing with bright crystal's.

Marc Forest.
http://www.marcforest.com

J D Hillberry

Member since Aug-21-02
107 posts, 8 feedbacks, 16 points

Dec-11-02, 04:19 PM ()

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3. "RE: Snow?"

First, start off with two old golfers. Then, fade the bottoms of their suits to make it look like they are in a snow drift. I hope the old men won't be two distracting for the rest of your snow scene.

Sorry I couldn't resist after JL's very accurate description of my latest double portrait.

Quote No offence, but they look a bit like thet are in very deep snow bank...
JL

Seriously, I would do it exactly like Marc said.

J. D.

J. D. Hillberry
http://www.jdhillberry.com

Robert T
Member since Nov-20-02
111 posts, 7 feedbacks,

Dec-11-02, 07:33 PM ()

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4. "RE: Snow?"

The key to doing snow is in the shadows. The trick in black and white work is to pay very close attention to your values. The tonal range is going to be very small if there is a lot of bright snow and you will probably get the final results using the eraser as your main drawing tool.

Bob

Greetings from Delaware