plate no. 4139

Into the wide wide world

John Bauer, 1907

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationhorsefigurelandscapeskycloudssword

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the unique stylized forms of the Art Nouveau style.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horse, rider, and landscape.
step 02
Outline the major shapes with a light pencil, paying attention to the stylized forms.
step 03
Begin with the sky, layering blues and whites to create the cloud patterns.
step 04
Paint the background landscape, using greens and browns to suggest the forest.
step 05
Block in the base colors for the horse and rider, establishing the overall tones.
step 06
Add details to the horse, including the mane, tail, and harness.
step 07
Refine the rider's figure and clothing, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final details, such as the sword and any decorative elements.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Burnt umber

secondary · Cadmium red · Yellow ochre · Sap green

Mix blues and whites for the sky, adding small amounts of umber for shadows. Use ochre and umber for the landscape. Mix red and ochre for the rider's clothing.

techniques