plate no. 6107

Landscape

Amedeo Modigliani, 1919

oil, canvasExpressionismlandscapelandscapebuildingstreeshillvillage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students will also learn to create depth through color and value variations.

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 buildings, hill, and tree, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the green of the hill, the orange-red of the roofs, and the lighter tones of the building walls.
step 03
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the buildings and the landscape.
step 04
Mix subtle variations of the main colors to add depth and interest to the painting.
step 05
Refine the details of the tree, adding branches and suggesting foliage.
step 06
Add highlights to the buildings and landscape to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · green · orange-red · yellow ochre · white

secondary · brown · light blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and blue. Achieve the roof color by mixing orange, red, and a touch of brown. Use white to lighten values and create subtle variations in the building walls.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original painting.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them to create subtle variations.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a flat and uninteresting painting.
→Not simplifying the shapes and forms of the buildings and landscape.