plate no. 1585

Blauer Berg

Alexej von Jawlensky, 1910

oilExpressionismlandscapemountainstreeslandscapeskyhills

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and using color to create depth and mood. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes and non-realistic color choices.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, hills, and trees using light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light wash of pink and blue, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Paint the mountains with a dark blue, varying the shade slightly to suggest form.
step 04
Add the darker green areas representing distant trees and foliage.
step 05
Paint the foreground hills with layers of green, blue, and purple, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the darker green shapes of the foreground trees, varying their sizes and shapes.
step 07
Include the small red accents for the buildings or other elements.
step 08
Add final details and highlights with small brushstrokes to enhance the texture and form.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · sap green · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · purple

Mix different shades of green by combining sap green with ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Create the pink sky by mixing alizarin crimson with titanium white. Achieve the mountain color by mixing ultramarine blue with a touch of black.

techniques

·blocking in
·expressive brushstrokes
·color mixing
·layering
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the colors and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Making the colors too realistic and not embracing the expressive nature of the painting.
→Failing to simplify the landscape into basic shapes.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and interest.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·acrylic or oil paints
·round and flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
·pencil

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags

Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture. Acrylic paints are recommended for beginners due to their faster drying time and ease of cleanup.

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