plate no. 9154

Lac Leman

Fujishima Takeji, 1908

oilImpressionismlandscapemountainslakeskysnowlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone and practice layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the basic shapes of the mountains.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light, cool gray, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the mountains, using darker blues and purples for the shaded areas.
step 04
Add the snow-capped peaks, using white mixed with a touch of yellow or pink to avoid starkness.
step 05
Paint the lake with horizontal strokes, reflecting the colors of the sky and mountains.
step 06
Add subtle variations in color and value to the lake to create the illusion of depth and movement.
step 07
Refine the details of the mountains, adding texture and definition with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Add highlights to the snow and water to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · alizarin crimson

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the mountain shadows. Use yellow ochre and white to create the warm tones in the sky and snow. Add alizarin crimson to white for subtle pink highlights.

techniques