The cold winter ground lays still beneath Gerda and Kai, with snow collecting and blanketing them as if a curtain of sadness has been drawn. Gerda kneels beside Kai, her face hidden in a sea of tears and despair. He lies there, forever still, seemingly lost to the world forever.
The scene can be painted with somber colors, a pale blue-gray sky with points of stark white highlighting the snow, while muted shades of brown and grays bring the ground to life. Gerda can be painted in warmer tones - a peach complexion, golden locks of hair, and a bright yellow scarf - to show her beauty and vitality against the darkness of her mourning. Kai in his own way can be painted in more cheerful colors - a navy blue coat dusted with snowflakes, pale cheeks that carry a hint of pink.
The pair will be the centerpiece of the painting, so it's important to capture their emotion with intense colors. Bright pops of yellow, oranges and pinks can be used when painting Gerda’s tears. For Kai, a cool blue undertone with white highlights glowing off the snowflakes on his clothes will complete the heartbreaking scene.