plate no. 3354
Landscape with a Bridge
Robert Falk, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using color to define planes and create depth. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and path, focusing on their geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light blue, allowing some canvas to show through.
- step 03
Apply the base colors for the buildings (red, green, brown), using flat, slightly textured brushstrokes.
- step 04
Add darker and lighter shades to the buildings to define their planes and create a sense of depth.
- step 05
Paint the trees and foliage with varying shades of green, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Block in the path with a light ochre color, and add shadows to define its form and direction.
- step 07
Add details like the bridge and any other small elements, using a smaller brush.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and shapes.
color palette
primary · green · brown · ochre · blue
secondary · red · yellow · grey
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create browns by mixing reds, yellows, and blues. Use white to lighten colors and black or burnt umber to darken them.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·geometric simplification
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Making the shapes too realistic and losing the geometric quality.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Not allowing the brushstrokes to be visible.
- →Getting lost in details too early.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (green, brown, ochre, blue, red, yellow, white, black)
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·water
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
A textured canvas can enhance the effect of the visible brushstrokes. Acrylic paints are recommended for beginners due to their fast drying time and ease of use.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
