plate no. 1320

Houses in Poiana Mărului

Horia Bernea, 1972

oilExpressionismlandscapebuildingsroofstreesskylandscapehouses

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and form. Students will also learn to mix a limited palette of colors to create a harmonious composition.

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 buildings and trees, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: red roofs, green foliage, blue sky, and the neutral tones of the building walls.
step 03
Start with the darkest values, adding shadows to define the forms of the buildings and create depth.
step 04
Mix variations of the red, green, and blue to add subtle color shifts and create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 05
Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to add texture to the roofs, walls, and foliage.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
step 07
Add final details, such as the small windows and the branches of the trees.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · sap green · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre

Mix different shades of red by adding burnt umber or yellow ochre. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the hue with white or burnt umber. Achieve the sky color by diluting blue with white.

techniques