plate no. 1837

Gewitterstimmung bei Dresden

oilRomanticismlandscapeskycloudslandscapebuildingstreeshorizon

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the mood of a stormy sky. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the major elements (sky, land, buildings).
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darks and lights of the sky and land with thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up the cloud formations, paying attention to the shapes and values within the clouds.
step 04
Gradually add details to the landscape, working from the background to the foreground.
step 05
Refine the details of the buildings and trees, keeping them simple and suggestive.
step 06
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights to the clouds and landscape to create a sense of light and drama.
step 08
Review and make final adjustments to ensure a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or burnt sienna to warm the colors.

techniques