How to Paint a Snow Figure in Watercolor

If you live in a cold climate where snow is prevalent, making figures out of snow is nothing new. For those who only wish for snow, here is a way to have the experience of making a snowman or woman. Doing a work of art means you can let whimsy rule the day and you can give your snow person human characteristics. Best of all it is more permanent and not at all at the mercy of the temperature outdoors as actual snowmen are.

EditSteps

1. Sketch out some snow figures on computer paper.  Let your imagination run wild.  We all know that the basic construction of a snow person is three balls of snow, grading from the largest at the base to the smaller one at the top for the head.
   
2. Think about snowman related props and sketch some on scrap paper.  Frosty the Snowman's black top hat is seen often, but any type of available headgear works fine.  Coal was used for accents like eyes and buttons, but today, anything goes.  A fresh carrot still seems the main choice for a nose, and broken branches for arms, but rules are made to be broken, so be creative.  Draw some earmuffs, a snow shovel and a broom, other common accessories.
   
3. Do a little research if you need it.  Seeing how snow figures have been done by others can get your imagination primed.  Google images of winter scenes, snowmen, watercolors of snow figures and coloring pages of realistic and cartoon snow figures.  You can often print these out, too.
   
4. Gather your supplies.  You'll need an 11" x 14" piece of watercolor paper (or any size you wish,) a pencil, watercolors, various round and flat watercolor or all purpose brushes, and a water container.
   
5. Try ways to make a white snow person stand out against white paper.  Simply painting behind the white figure with colors works well.  Putting trees, either bushy evergreens or naked winter trees in the background is another technique.
   
6. Hold your paper in either orientation.  Begin to sketch out your design.  If you aren't sure try doing small sketches of the paper both ways.  Things you might include in your design are: another snow figure or two, a sled or snow dish, part of a house, just the doorway or a corner with a window, trees, a fence, and visiting birds or animals.  Human figures wearing colorful outdoor clothing are fun to add, too.
   
7. Ignore all the standard rules for a realistic painting and do your own thing if a fantasy background is preferred. Everything is good, it is a work of art, don't forget, your imaginary world.
   
8. Keep in mind that the snow you paint has lots of color in it. You might have to fake it a little, but if you carefully observe a snow scene you will begin to see subtle colors in the snow caused by reflections, type of light, time of day, shadows and just pretty colorful lines and shapes as long as they are transparent and pastel.
   
9. Bring in some neutrals. Winter landscapes are most often drab and fairly colorless, so using a range of grays, browns and shades of dark gray to black look right.
   
10. Paint the snow figure's face and accessories. Make tree branches for arms. Add details to the landscape, whatever your wish. Let the piece dry thoroughly. Stand it up and if anything needs punching up, do it on a dry painting.
    
11. Hang up the art work. You can purchase pre-cut mats in colors that will coordinate and highlight your colors or white to give it a refined and finished look. Frames can be easily found at discount and thrift stores, so put the matted piece behind glass and hang it for the season.
    • Fix a cup of hot cocoa and in the warmth of your house, feel happy to have created art from something as simple as a pile of snow.