Include cast shadows when drawing a winter landscape to add realism to the composition.
When drawing a winter landscape outdoors, first determine the time of day. The morning hours will produce a horizontal light that produces long casting shadows. These long shadows can help unify the composition. Mid-morning light is diagonal and will help define the ground's plane; also, shadows at high noon will practically disappear. Be aware of the viewer's eye level when drawing: For example, the viewer can look directly at the scene at eye level, see it from a bird's-eye view looking down or look up from a worm's eye view.
Instructions
1. Place an image of a winter landscape in a place that is easy to view.
2. Draw basic shapes such as lines where the trees and rocks are located, curves in hills or roads, and squares or rectangles for buildings.
3. Add details such as a trunk and limbs for the trees, or windows for the building. Include leaves for evergreen trees.
4. Determine light source and shade in shadows on the opposite side of the light. Add cast shadows from trees and buildings. Mornings and evenings will have the longest shadows.
5. Adjust the drawing as needed and erase any excess lines.
