plate no. 0006

Hilly Landscape with Ravens, in the Bernese Oberland

Ferdinand Hodler, 1910

oil, canvasArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapelandscapehillsskycloudstreesravens

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in simplifying a landscape into basic shapes and using color variations to create depth. Students will learn to mix greens and blues and practice applying paint with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hill and sky, paying attention to the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, leaving space for clouds.
step 03
Add white to the blue to create the clouds, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 04
Mix various shades of green and yellow for the hill, starting with lighter tones and gradually adding darker shadows.
step 05
Use horizontal brushstrokes to suggest the contours of the hill.
step 06
Add small details like the trees and ravens with dark greens and blacks.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ivory black

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and sap green. Create variations by adding small amounts of burnt umber or white. Achieve the sky blue by mixing cerulean blue with white, and vary the cloud color by adding touches of yellow ochre.

techniques