plate no. 8717

Landscape with Farmhouses

Gustave de Smet, 1942

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapefarmhousestreesskybirdsbuildings

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also encourages experimentation with a limited color palette to achieve a cohesive mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the houses, trees, and horizon line using light pencil strokes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a mix of blues, grays, and white, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees and foliage with dark greens and browns, varying the brushstrokes to create texture.
step 04
Paint the main shapes of the houses with white, adding shadows with grays and blues.
step 05
Add details to the houses, such as roofs, chimneys, and windows, using thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the foreground with a mix of browns and greens, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 07
Add the birds in the sky with small, dark strokes.
step 08
Review the painting and add any final touches or adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Burnt umber

secondary · Sap green · Yellow ochre

Mix Prussian blue and Burnt umber for dark greens and grays. Use Titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights. Yellow ochre can be added to greens and browns to create warmer tones.

techniques