Bringing winter to life

Demo held: Monday, 05 January, 2026

Nigel’s demonstration showed how a winter scene can emerge from bold beginnings, starting with a loose dark‑orange sketch on an orange ground and building atmosphere through free, impressionistic brushwork and a limited primary palette. 

The painting process commenced with a free-flowing, dark orange sketch on an orange canvas, establishing a vibrant foundation accentuated by deeper acrylic highlights. A restricted palette consisting of primary colours was utilised, facilitating the blending of all required tones.

The initial brushstrokes were applied with freedom to create a soft-focus, impressionistic look. Cooler blues were warmed by mixing with red, yellow, and white, while background areas were delicately softened for depth and visual equilibrium. The snow was depicted with progressively lighter tones as it approached the foreground, and shadows were crafted using shades of blue and lilac.

The browns of the trees were deepened with red, while the stonework emerged from a blend of blue, white, and red. In the concluding phases, details were polished, light effects were added, and empty spaces were filled. The ‘tip dab treatment’ was employed on the foreground hedges, layering subtle hues together to evoke highlights and a sense of cohesion throughout the piece. This was the stage where Nigel had to step away.



The final artwork displayed below was completed at home, showcasing how finishing touches can truly breathe life into a painting.

The Artist

Nigel's work primarily begins with looking and drawing. Everything builds from this. starting point. For him, drawing is an investigation, a method of recording an experience and expressing ideas and emotions. 

The subject matter, whether it be a woodland view, a coastal scene or the dynamic movement of a figure, helps suggest his approach and influences his choice of materials. At all times, he seeks to extend his visual vocabulary to communicate something about the world we live in.

Visit Nigel's website here.