plate no. 4390

Balcic Gulf

Samuel Mutzner, 1939

oilImpressionismlandscapeseamountainsbuildingsskylandscapetrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the main shapes of the mountains and buildings.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, mountains, and foreground.
step 03
Begin layering colors in the sky, using light grays and whites to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 04
Develop the mountains, adding subtle variations in color and value to suggest form and texture.
step 05
Paint the buildings, simplifying their shapes and using light colors to indicate sunlight.
step 06
Add details to the foreground, such as the shoreline and vegetation.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the overall harmony.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · raw umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black, umber, and blue. Use these grays to create the sky and mountains. Mix greens with blue and yellow, and browns with umber, red, and yellow.

techniques