How to Paint Winter Ponds

Add interest to a winter pond painting by adding reflections from the surrounding landscape.

Winter scenes are recognized by the lack of color. Unless the paintings location is in a tropical area such as Florida or Hawaii, the scene will have dark trees against a dreary background or white snow. Painting a winter pond can add a focal point to the winter scene, especially if set against the whiteness of snow. Instead of having just a mass of dark water, add color by reflecting the landscape's scenery and movement by creating wavy strokes with the paintbrush.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Brushes

Instructions

1. Create a base coat by painting light blue and apply to the area for the pond. Mix a small bit of black paint thinned with water and paint along the shoreline of the pond. Let dry.

2. Creates an illusion of movement by mixing white with dark blue and then apply sweeping horizontal strokes across the pond. Let dry.

3. Add a small amount of black to the mix and continue adding streaks to create movement. Finish by adding more white to the dark blue mix to create a lighter blue for highlights. Let dry.

4. Apply a dry brush affect of all color from the surroundings landscape to create an illusion of reflection in the pond such as white from snow or brown from trees. Create a dry brush effect by first loading the brush with paint and then blotting off excess paint on a rag or paper towel. Spread the bristles on the brush and then stroke on painting.

References

• "Painted Landscapes in Acrylics;" Lee Hammond; 2009
• "The Artist's Bible: Essential Reference for Artists in All Mediums;" 2004