plate no. 1920

Garmisch, the Wetterstein Mountains Beyond

oilRomanticismlandscapemountainscowsfigurestreesskywater

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering. Recreating it will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into manageable shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the mountains, trees, and figures.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light blue, blending towards the horizon.
step 03
Establish the distant mountains with muted blues and grays, paying attention to value differences to create depth.
step 04
Paint the middle ground, including the field and trees, using a range of greens and browns.
step 05
Add the cows and figures, focusing on their basic shapes and proportions.
step 06
Develop the foreground with details like the water, grass, and logs, using darker values and more texture.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to the cows and figures to bring them to life.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant elements.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·layering
·blending
·scumbling
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated, especially in the background.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, viridian green)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife