plate no. 1008

Forest Cemetery

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1933

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeforestbuildingsskymountains

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for learning about simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using bold outlines to define forms. Students will also practice creating texture with distinct brushstrokes and limited color mixing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, trees, and buildings, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Outline all the shapes with a dark color, defining the edges of each element.
step 03
Fill in the sky with a light blue, keeping the color consistent.
step 04
Apply the base green color to the ground, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Paint the trees with varying shades of green and yellow, using similar brushstrokes to the ground.
step 06
Add the details to the buildings, using a light blue or grey.
step 07
Introduce darker shades to create shadows and depth within the trees and on the ground.
step 08
Review and refine the outlines, adding emphasis where needed.