plate no. 2555

Hnědá krajina I

Josef Capek, 1936

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureslandscapefieldschildrenskyrural

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create a sense of movement and atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve a harmonious, earthy palette.

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 and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and then moving to the fields and figures.
step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Begin to define the shapes of the figures and the landscape with thicker brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix the colors for the figures' clothing and add details.
step 06
Add highlights to the figures and the landscape to create a sense of light.
step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · sap green

Achieve the earthy tones by mixing burnt umber and raw sienna with varying amounts of white. Use ultramarine blue and cadmium red to create the purplish hues for the figures' head coverings. Mix sap green with burnt umber for muted greens.

techniques