plate no. 0754

Herbstlandschaft - Herbst auf der Oschwand

Cuno Amiet, 1906

oilFauvismlandscapelandscapetreespathhillsfoliageautumn

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning simplified color blocking and how to create depth using color temperature. Students can also practice layering colors to create texture and visual interest.

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 placement of the trees, path, and hills.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light pink.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the hills and foliage using simplified shapes.
step 04
Paint the tree trunks with light blue, varying the thickness and height.
step 05
Add the main color of the tree foliage, mixing yellow and orange.
step 06
Layer pink and green into the tree foliage to create depth and interest.
step 07
Define the path and foreground with varying shades of green and brown.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the texture and form.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · light green · pink · light blue

secondary · orange · dark green · brown

Mix yellow ochre with pink to create the lighter foliage. Use varying amounts of white to create highlights. Mix dark green with brown for shadows.

techniques

·color blocking
·layering
·scumbling
·broken color
·simplified shapes

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Making the composition too detailed and losing the simplified, expressive style.
→Not varying the colors enough, leading to a flat and uninteresting painting.
→Ignoring the color temperature and creating a lack of depth.