plate no. 4761

Landscape near Carlsbourg (Belgium)

Walter Gramatté, 1915

oil, cardboardExpressionismlandscapelandscapebuildingstreespathvillage

some experience helpful

This painting offers a chance to practice expressive brushwork and color mixing to create mood. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, path, and surrounding landscape.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark green or brown mix.
step 03
Block in the general areas of color: orange for the path, greens for foliage, and muted blues for the buildings.
step 04
Begin applying expressive brushstrokes, following the forms of the landscape.
step 05
Mix variations of greens, browns, and oranges to add depth and texture to the foliage and path.
step 06
Use lighter colors to suggest highlights on the buildings and path.
step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and add any final touches to the brushwork.
step 08
Review and adjust the values and colors to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · dark green · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Mix dark greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre with a touch of burnt umber. Achieve earthy tones by blending burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and small amounts of blue or green. Use white sparingly to create highlights.

techniques