plate no. 1268

Landscape of Saarijärvi, Finland

oilSymbolismlandscapelandscapefieldstreeshillsbuildingspath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It's a good exercise in capturing the overall impression of a landscape rather than focusing on minute details.

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: horizon line, hills, fields, and buildings.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of muted blues and grays.
step 03
Establish the basic color masses for the hills and fields, using broad strokes.
step 04
Add darker values to the trees and shadows to create depth.
step 05
Define the path and foreground details with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Layer colors to create variation and texture in the fields and foliage.
step 07
Add highlights to suggest light and form.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · sap green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by blending blues and yellows with white. Achieve muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors (e.g., a touch of red to green). Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric perspective.

techniques