Blog

On My Way, oil on canvas, 24x30

copyright Yvonne Ham 2016

The initial  idea of this painting came from a photo posted on Facebook.   I was glad my friend Theresa took such a great photo.  I liked the angle she had captured of the lower foreground with the high skyline.   Thank you Theresa for allowing me to use your photo as a reference for this painting.  

I was draw to the winter landscape of blowing and drifting snow.  I though it would be challenging to paint the footprints in the snow.   I live in the country where snow forms a thin hard layer from the endless wind.  I know the harsh conditions this may have been yet the children are never fazed by the cold.  

This persistence in children amazes me.   All bundled up in their bright snow suites enjoying the walk in the field.   Off in the distance the faint forms of the farm silo and barn beckon.  The adventurers trudge onward maybe with promises of warm hot chocolate as an incentive.

Details of the distant buildings and trees.  

I removed the dark values of the snow because I thought the values where to strong.

The first photo is of the finished Teal Snowsuit.   The second two paintings are the before and after photos of the red snow jacket.  Compare the first painting of cadmium red and white to the finished glowing red jacket with hints of yellow orange highlights.   The first red jacket is rather dull and lifeless.   I have a color chart I use to mix just the right color.   It is pictured below.  I  recommend doing a color chart of some kind for reference.  This chart is from John Howard Sanden's book  Painting The Head In Oil .

Thanks for following along with my process.  This and other works of art can be purchased on my website here.