plate no. 5673

Gang Der Mönche Zum Bergkloster Athos

Hermann David Salomon Corrodi, 1905

canvas, oilRomanticismlandscapelandscapemonksmountainsnightwaterclouds

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to depict light and shadow in a nocturnal scene. It also provides practice in rendering complex textures like rocks and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, water, and path.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of dark colors, paying attention to the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the sky and clouds, blending the colors to create a soft, luminous effect.
step 04
Begin adding details to the mountain and rocks, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Paint the figures of the monks, focusing on their silhouettes and the light from their lanterns.
step 06
Add the water and reflections, using horizontal strokes to create a sense of calm.
step 07
Refine the details and highlights, paying attention to the subtle color variations in the rocks and foliage.
step 08
Add final details like the building on the cliff and the lights in the distance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ivory black

Achieve the dark, muted tones by mixing burnt umber and ultramarine blue. Use white to create highlights and lighter values in the sky and rocks. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or raw sienna to warm up the colors.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Failing to create enough contrast between the light and shadow areas.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Neglecting the subtle color variations in the rocks and foliage.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags