plate no. 7264

Hillside with Cypress Ridge

oilCubismlandscapehillstreeslandscapeskymountainscypress trees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and practice color mixing to achieve muted, natural tones. It also provides practice in creating depth through atmospheric perspective and layering.

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 hills and mountains, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general layout of the landscape.
step 03
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light gray and blue.
step 04
Begin layering in the distant mountains with muted greens and blues, using lighter values for the more distant peaks.
step 05
Block in the larger shapes of the hills in the foreground with varying shades of green, brown, and ochre.
step 06
Add details such as the line of cypress trees and the suggestion of buildings.
step 07
Refine the shapes and colors of the hills, adding shadows and highlights to create depth.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive composition.

color palette

primary · sap green · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create earth tones. Mute colors by adding a touch of complementary color.

techniques