Finding Life Under the Snow: Painting Winter Landscapes with Jed Dorsey

There's a quiet joy to be found in the stillness of winter. It’s not the vibrant explosion of spring, but a hushed anticipation, a world holding its breath. Jed Dorsey, in his latest video, beautifully encapsulates this sentiment, taking us both outdoors for inspiration and back to the studio to demonstrate his process for painting realistic winter scenes. It's a lesson in seeing – truly seeing – the beauty that surrounds us, even (and especially) when it seems dormant.

More Than Just a Painting Tutorial

This isn't just about learning how to paint snow. It’s about connecting with the landscape, recognizing that even beneath the apparent stillness, life is quietly thriving. Jed shares a powerful quote, “You’d be surprised what grows in winter,” reminding us that there's beauty and potential in every season, in every moment of quiet observation. That's a lesson that extends far beyond the easel.

He walks us through the crucial steps of building a snowy landscape, starting with establishing the darkest values – that critical foundation for depth. Then, he guides us in layering color washes and shadows to build temperature, establishing the sky as the source of light, and creating atmospheric perspective with distant trees. The nuances of painting snow in shadow (those subtle blues and violets!) and capturing the highlights that bring form and life to the scene are all expertly demonstrated.

Essential Techniques and Materials

For those eager to try this themselves, Jed provides a clear breakdown of materials used. He relies on a limited palette of artist-grade acrylics: Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Quinacridone Red, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Green, and Mars Black. This disciplined approach to color selection is a valuable lesson in itself, highlighting how much can be achieved with a thoughtful, restrained palette. He uses Princeton Aspen Flats brushes in sizes 6, 10, 12, and 20 on a 12x12 smooth gesso panel. Simple, accessible materials – the hallmark of an Art Angel.

Beyond the Canvas: Finding Your Own Winter Bloom

Jed’s approach resonates with the spirit of artists like Andrew Tischler and Marco Bucci, who emphasize understanding the underlying structure and principles of art. This video isn’t about replicating a scene; it’s about understanding the process of creating it – the interplay of light, shadow, and color. It's about learning to see like an artist, to find beauty in the everyday, and to translate that vision onto your canvas.

Think about how this approach connects to the Benny and Rocky Decorating Competitions! Seeing the joy and creativity of children finding beauty and making art—even in simple decorations—mirrors the spirit of Jed’s video—finding beauty and creating something from what seems barren.

Your Next Step in the Rogue Artist Ecosystem

Ready to bloom alongside other artists? Don’t just watch – do. Find an Art Angel in your area to guide your practice, book a workshop to connect with fellow creators, list your studio to share your space and passion, or claim a creator profile to showcase your work. Or, if you're feeling inspired, pick up a Benny or Rocky and decorate it with your own winter scene!