plate no. 0670

A windmill in a landscape, Het Gooi

Gustave de Smet, 1916

oilExpressionismlandscapewindmilllandscapeskyfieldbuildingtrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and form. It also provides practice in mixing muted colors and creating atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the windmill, building, and landscape using light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and field, using thin washes.
step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shapes of the windmill, building, and trees.
step 04
Build up layers of color, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the windmill, paying attention to the subtle variations in hue and value.
step 06
Add details to the building and trees, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 07
Refine the sky and field, blending colors and adding highlights to create depth.
step 08
Add the final details, such as the windmill blades and the path, and adjust the overall composition as needed.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt sienna

secondary · Titanium white · Sap green · Ultramarine blue

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre and Prussian blue. Achieve the sky color by blending Prussian blue and titanium white, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Create the field color by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt sienna and white.

techniques