plate no. 4051

Icelandic Farm

Louisa Matthiasdottir, 1978

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapefarmbuildingshillsskyfields

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey form and texture. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve a harmonious and slightly muted palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: mountain, fields, and buildings.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue.
step 03
Establish the mountain's form with broad strokes of brown and olive green.
step 04
Define the fields using yellow, green, and brown, varying the tones to create depth.
step 05
Add the buildings with simple rectangular shapes and their respective colors.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the relationships between them.
step 07
Add details like fence posts with small, deliberate strokes.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and sap green. Create muted browns by mixing raw umber with small amounts of blue or red. Lighten colors with titanium white.

techniques