plate no. 2291

Hiddensee

Walter Gramatté, 1922

oilExpressionismlandscapeboatswaterfiguresbuildingsskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using expressive brushwork to convey mood. It also provides practice in mixing muted color palettes and creating atmospheric perspective.

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 horizon line, the bay, and the major shapes of the buildings and figures.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, gradually darkening it towards the top.
step 03
Paint the water with a mix of blues and greens, adding subtle variations in tone to suggest depth and movement.
step 04
Add the landmasses and buildings, using a limited palette of earth tones and whites.
step 05
Paint the boats, paying attention to their reflections in the water.
step 06
Add the figures in the foreground, using simple shapes and bold brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and boats, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final touches, such as the masts of the boats and the details of the figures' clothing.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix blues and browns with white to create the muted tones of the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to add warmth to the buildings and figures.

techniques