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"Deep in December" 12x12

Who doesn't love the look of freshly fallen snow? A good winter storm can turn even the most mundane scene into something spectacular to paint. But the first time I bundled up and hauled my gear out in winter conditions, I learned just how challenging painting in the snow can be. It's always tempting to just take a few photos and use those as reference to paint from in my warm, comfortable studio, but one thing's for certain: you have to get cold to paint snow convincingly. Almost more than any other subject matter, snow requires direct observation to help the artist convey its subtle beauty. After years of trial and error, I've developed a system for painting in the snow that minimizes my personal discomfort and allows me to paint outside in the winter. Here are a few tips for your next snow day:

 An umbrella comes in handy for blocking the sun...or keeping the sleet off my canvas.

-Layer up! It almost goes without saying, but always start out a little too warm to begin with.  Leave your vanity behind and layer up. I have a poofy down coat from the last century that serves me well when I'm outside and tops off a couple other layers of more modern outdoor wear. Most importantly, make sure to keep your feet warm. Invest in a good pair of snow boots. I bought a pair of Vasque waterproof boots a couple of years ago and they have proven invaluable in snowy and wet conditions. Stand on a mat or a bare section of ground instead of standing directly on the snow. I take a bath mat with me and stand on that---it gives me traction and provides an extra barrier between me and the snow. I also sometimes set up in the bed of my truck to paint - it gets me out of the snow and helps me see over the berms at the side of the road. I wear fingerless gloves and tuck  "Hot Hands" warming packs into the back of my gloves. These chemical warming packs don't provide a whole lot of warmth, but just enough to keep my hands moving.

-Use more sunscreen than you think you'll need. Light reflecting up off the snow means you'll get twice the exposure and sun coming in from all different angles. 

-Avoid glare. All that light reflecting off the snow can literally be blinding and make painting very uncomfortable. If at all possible, set up in the shade or use an umbrella to cut down on the glare that comes even on an overcast day. Situate your easel so bright sunlight reflecting off snow berms behind you doesn't hit your canvas. I bring along a dark blanket to lay out in front of my easel to cut down on light reflecting off of the snow directly in front of me.

-Keep your paint warm. I usually keep my plein air gear in my car, but I always bring my paint indoors the night before a snow-painting day to make sure it's not too cold and stiff to use the next morning. In extreme conditions, I'll tuck my paint into an inside pocket of my jacket to keep it warm and pliable. Only squeeze out a small amount of paint to keep it from sitting out in the cold too long and stiffening up.

"Winter's Blanket" 8x6

-Paint small, quick studies. These are great practice in any painting conditions, but they are most important when the cold creeps in and effects your ability to concentrate. Better to cover the canvas on a small painting than to be unable to finish a larger piece. 

"Fire and Ice" 8x16

-Take advantage of the in-between seasons. I have to admit it: I'd rather paint snow when it's 50 degrees than when it's 5 degrees outside, so I always take advantage of that first storm to get a head-start on the season.  Chances are there are still some bare patches of ground to set up on and the snow isn't too deep to hike through. Late April is a beautiful time to paint snow in the Sierras - the days are warm, the grasses are starting to grow, and the rivers are thawed and flowing...a wonderful time to gather source material for for next winter's studio paintings!

 Angus found a warm, dry place to hang out while I painted "Fire and Ice"

-Take care of your canine painting companions. My dogs love the snow and will do anything to go with me when I paint, but laying patiently on the cold snow for a couple of hours is just too much to ask. I bring a blanket for them to lay on, but also give them a break in the car with the heater turned on high to keep them from getting too cold. Consider a dog jacket and booties and be sure to bring plenty of water to keep them hydrated and treats to keep them happy.

Ellie is happy to hang out on her blanket while I paint "Frozen"

Bundle up and get out in the snow to paint this beautiful winter season!

1/14/19 updated from original post published 2/18/13