How to Paint a Cozy Winter Village Scene with Acrylics
Imagine stepping into a snow-dusted village, where glowing windows and festive cheer light up a quiet winter night. Get into the holiday spirit and create a festive winter village scene using acrylic paints! This step-by-step guide is perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts looking to capture the charm of a snowy town during the Christmas season. Using Benicci’s Acrylic Paint Set 12 and Paint Brush Set 16, you’ll learn how to layer, mix colors, and bring this cozy winter setting to life. Let's start!
🕑 Estimated time: 45 min
Materials:
- Benicci Acrylic Paint Set 12 (Scarlet Red, Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, White, and Burnt Sienna will be key colors)
- Benicci Paint Brush Set 16 (Flat Brush #14 and Detail Brushes #2 and #4 will be used)
- A canvas (preferably 8”x10” or similar size)
- Palette for mixing paints
- Water cup for rinsing brushes
- Paper towels
Step 1: Prepare the Background
Using the #14 flat brush, mix Ultramarine Blue and White to create a soft sky blue. Apply broad, even strokes across the entire canvas for the background. Make sure to blend well for a smooth finish. Let this layer dry for about 10 minutes before proceeding.
Step 2: Sketch the Layout (optional)
Lightly sketch the composition of your village scene with a pencil. Include a winding road, cozy houses, trees, and a few clouds. Don’t worry about precision—this step is just to guide your painting.
Step 3: Paint the Clouds and Initial Details
Switch to the #4 detail brush. Using White paint, add fluffy clouds in the sky with gentle, rounded strokes. Layer them to create depth.
For the ground, add rough outlines of snowy mounds using a mix of White and a tiny dab of Burnt Sienna for warmth.
Step 4: Build the Village
Houses
Use the #14 flat brush to block in the main shapes of the houses. Mix Ochre with a hint of White for one house and Burnt Sienna for another.
Add rooftops covered in snow using White and a small amount of Ultramarine Blue for shadowing.
Windows and Doors
With the #2 detail brush, paint windows and doors using Scarlet Red or a mix of White and Burnt Sienna for a rustic look.
Step 5: Add Trees and Foliage
Use the fan brush (#3) from the Benicci set to create the texture of pine trees. Mix Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna for darker trees and add highlights with White. Place these around the houses to frame the scene.
For the distant trees, use a lighter mix of Burnt Sienna and White with a #4 detail brush to suggest subtle branches.
Step 6: Paint the Snowy Path
☝️Pro Tip: When painting snow, less is often more. Use light, feathery strokes and leave some areas of the canvas slightly exposed to create the illusion of glistening snow.
The winding road is the centerpiece of this cozy winter scene. Use the #14 flat brush and a mix of White with a hint of Ultramarine Blue to depict the path. Add curving strokes for a dynamic and natural flow.
Step 7: Bring in the Figures
To make the village feel alive, use the #2 detail brush to paint tiny figures skating and walking. Use Scarlet Red, Ultramarine Blue, and Ochre to create vibrant clothing. Keep the shapes simple to maintain the scale of the scene.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Add shadows under the trees and houses using a mix of Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna.
- Use the #4 detail brush to add falling snow with small, random dots of White.
- Highlight the roofs and snowbanks for extra dimension.
Nice work!
Once your painting is dry, display it as part of your holiday decorations or gift it to someone special. This cozy winter scene is sure to bring joy and warmth to any home during the festive season.
For a Full Visual Guide
For a full visual guide, watch our detailed video tutorial and see each step in action. Dive into the artistic process and let your creativity glide like skaters on a frozen winter pond!
Why Choose Benicci Art Supplies?
Benicci’s Acrylic Paint Set 12 offers vibrant, high-quality pigments that blend beautifully, making it easy to achieve the soft gradients of this snowy scene. The Paint Brush Set 16 includes versatile brushes perfect for creating detailed holiday artwork. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, Benicci supplies make every creative process a joy.
Happy painting and happy holidays from the Benicci team!
