plate no. 8989

Emmental landscape with grazing animals

Cuno Amiet, 1930

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapelandscapehillsanimalstreesskygrass

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing layering and creating depth in a landscape. Students can learn to simplify shapes and use color to suggest form and texture.

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 major shapes of the hills and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light, slightly pinkish-grey tone.
step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the hills and foreground, using broad strokes.
step 04
Add the darker tones for the trees and shadows, defining the forms.
step 05
Paint the grazing animals with simple shapes and muted colors.
step 06
Develop the details in the foreground, adding texture to the grass and flowers.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · violet

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and sap green, and use burnt umber to create earth tones. Add white to lighten values and create subtle variations.

techniques