plate no. 1247

Landscape with Ruins

oilImpressionismlandscapelandscaperuinsbuildingshillskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using a limited palette to create a harmonious landscape. It's a good exercise in capturing light and shadow with expressive brushstrokes.

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, hill, and trees, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the sky color with a thin wash of diluted paint.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the hill and buildings with broad strokes, using a mid-tone value.
step 04
Add darker values to define shadows and create depth, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Introduce lighter values to highlight areas catching the light.
step 06
Refine the shapes of the buildings and trees, adding details with smaller brushstrokes.
step 07
Blend edges where necessary to create a soft, impressionistic feel.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve lighter tones by adding titanium white to the primary colors. Use burnt sienna to create earth tones and shadows.

techniques