plate no. 1791

Landscape

Maurice de Vlaminck, 1919

oil, canvasCubismlandscapehousestreesroadskylandscapebuildings

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive mood. Students will also practice layering and blending techniques to achieve the desired atmospheric effects.

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 houses, trees, and road, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, using broad brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees with dark blues and greens.
step 04
Paint the houses with ochre and burnt sienna, varying the tones for light and shadow.
step 05
Add the road using a mix of ochre, burnt sienna, and white, suggesting perspective.
step 06
Define the details of the trees and foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the shapes and values of the houses, adding details like roofs and chimneys.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · raw umber

Mix blues and whites for the sky, ochre and sienna for the houses, and blues and greens for the trees. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques