Föhnstimmung (Zürichsee) by Cuno Amiet

plate no. 7073

Föhnstimmung (Zürichsee)

Cuno Amiet, 1943

oilExpressionismlandscapelakemountainsskycloudslandscapewater

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing layering colors and creating atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn how to simplify a landscape into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, land, and sky.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes.
step 03
Add darker values to the mountains and land to create depth.
step 04
Layer lighter yellows and grays into the sky and water.
step 05
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to add texture.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the clouds and mountains.
step 07
Add subtle color variations to the water to suggest reflections.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · payne's gray

Mix ultramarine and burnt umber for the mountain shadows. Use yellow ochre and white for the sky and water highlights. Add a touch of blue to the yellow for cooler reflections.

techniques

·layering
·wet-on-dry blending
·broken color
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→overmixing colors
→creating mud
→losing the light effect
→overworking the details

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags

Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

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