plate no. 6173

Hillside

Piroska Szanto, 1944

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapefieldstreeshillskyvegetation

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using color to define form and texture. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes to convey the feeling of the landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the hill, fields, and other major elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue and gray.
step 03
Apply the base colors for each field, using different shades of green, yellow, and brown.
step 04
Add details to the fields, such as rows of crops or patterns of vegetation.
step 05
Paint the trees and bushes with dark greens and blues, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
step 08
Add the final details and signature.

color palette

primary · yellow green · dark green · ochre · sky blue

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · red oxide

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use ochre and burnt sienna for earth tones, and add white to lighten colors.

techniques