Take digital photo of

general area

Make  a small thumbnail sketch of the composition

Set up easel - canvas & palette surfaces always in shadow

Apply wash, paint in line drawing of composition and largest dark mass

Continue painting in largest masses other then snow

Cover the canvas with paint including the snow areas

Refine all areas of the painting with details as needed

"Early Winter Thaw", 10" x 12", oil on linen board, Hope Valley, CA