plate no. 2534

Kornpuppen

Max Pechstein, 1922

oilExpressionismlandscapehaystacksfieldboatbuildingsskylandscape

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning simplified shapes and color blocking. Students can practice layering colors to create depth and dimension in the haystacks.

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 haystacks, buildings, and boat, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: green for the field, blue for the sky, and variations of brown/red for the haystacks and buildings.
step 03
Add darker values to the shadows of the haystacks and buildings to create form.
step 04
Introduce lighter values to the tops of the haystacks to suggest highlights.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the haystacks, adding details like the bands around them.
step 06
Paint the boat and the buildings in the background, simplifying their forms and colors.
step 07
Add final touches to the field and sky, blending colors and adding subtle variations.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and shapes.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · sap green

Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre for the base of the haystacks, adding cadmium red for warmth. Use Prussian blue and white for the sky, and sap green with yellow ochre for the field.

techniques