plate no. 9787

Evening Woods

Karl Schrag, 1980

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeswoodsstreamfoliagenightlandscape

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice expressive brushwork and color mixing to create a moody, atmospheric landscape. It also encourages simplification of forms and focusing on overall impression rather than precise detail.

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 trees, stream, and foliage with light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall dark background tone with a mix of blues, browns, and blacks.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the red and yellow foliage, the blue stream, and the green undergrowth.
step 04
Use expressive brushstrokes to add texture and variation to the foliage and trees.
step 05
Create highlights on the stream and foliage with lighter shades of blue, yellow, and green.
step 06
Add small details like the white dots representing stars or light filtering through the trees.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes of the elements, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values to create depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white

Mix dark greens by combining blue and yellow ochre with a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the red foliage by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt umber and yellow ochre for variation.

techniques