plate no. 3059

Landscape at Vence

Christopher Wood, 1927

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapelandscapehillstreesbuildingsskyvillage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create depth and atmosphere. It also encourages practice in visible brushstrokes to build texture.

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 mountains, hills, and foreground elements, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, blending the colors for the sunset effect.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the mountains and hills using a mix of blues, browns, and blacks.
step 04
Paint the foreground hills with reddish-brown tones, adding texture with short, directional brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the trees, using a mix of greens and grays, and indicate the foliage with dabs of paint.
step 06
Paint the buildings with simplified shapes and colors, paying attention to their placement within the landscape.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
step 08
Refine details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · red earth · Prussian blue · olive green · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber

Mix the sky colors by blending white, blue, and a touch of red earth. Achieve the hill colors by mixing red earth with burnt umber and a touch of black. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.

techniques