Building Realism Layer by Layer: The Snow Ghost Oil Painting Project
- Marion Dutton
- Oct 5
- 2 min read
At MazArt Academy, September’s project took us deep into the art of layering and tonal control with our latest classical oil painting — Snow Ghost, a snow leopard study painted in oils using the traditional underpainting technique.
We began the month with a pre-recorded preparation tutorial, followed by the underpainting session where we focused on mapping tonal values and creating form with raw umber and white. Over the following three Fridays, we built upon that foundation together in our live sessions — developing the block-in, refining textures, and finally bringing life and depth into those piercing eyes.
Each week, we focused on a different stage of the process — from establishing values to refining fur texture and capturing the glow of light through layering. By working in this gradual, methodical way, students learned not only how to paint a snow leopard, but why the classical layering method produces such luminous, lifelike results.
The underpainting technique is the foundation of every genre I teach — from wildlife and florals to still life and portraits. It allows for a level of depth, accuracy, and realism that only comes from slowing the process down and allowing those oil layers to dry naturally between sessions.
Why This Method Works
Many artists rush through their paintings, eager to see instant results — but oils reward those who take their time. By letting the paint dry between sessions, you gain complete control over blending, colour harmony, and texture. This project reinforced the power of slowing down and truly building the painting from the ground up, layer by layer.
To access the full 7-hour replay of this Snow Leopard project — along with a huge library of classes and courses exploring the classical underpainting technique — visit MazArt Academy today.
Join me live each week as we work through a new project together, layer by layer, and rediscover the joy of painting slowly, week by week.
