2002 Grist Mill
Jerry Yarnell School of Fine Art PBS Television Series

A classic red grist mill sits beside a flowing winter stream, with snow-covered banks, bare trees, and a softly lit sky creating a peaceful countryside setting. Water cascades gently over rocks beneath the mill’s wheel, adding movement and contrast to the quiet, snowy scene. In this intermediate acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this timeless landscape in a 90 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, capturing both structure and atmosphere.

You’ll learn how to construct and paint the mill with proper perspective, including rooflines, windows, and the detailed waterwheel. Jerry demonstrates how to block in major shapes first, then refine them with controlled brushwork to maintain balance and realism throughout the composition.

Special focus is given to painting flowing water with waterfalls and reflections, using layered color and value changes to create depth and motion in the stream. You’ll also explore how to paint snow textures, rocks, and surrounding trees with subtle variation and natural detail.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in combining architectural elements with landscape, handling winter textures, and creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. This is an excellent project for painters ready to develop stronger skills while producing a rich and visually engaging mill scene.

GREAT NEWS! We are now offering our videos on DVD or as a Digital Download (No Shipping Charge for Download videos).

CLICK HERE for More Information about our Digital Downloads