plate no. 1002

Landschaft, Genfer See

Alexej von Jawlensky, 1915

oilExpressionismlandscapelakemountainstreesskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and form. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve a harmonious, albeit non-realistic, palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the horizon line, the mountain range, and the general areas for the trees and water.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of yellow, orange, and a touch of green.
step 03
Paint the mountain range using dark blues and greens, adding a hint of pink to the base.
step 04
Fill in the water with light blues and grays, reflecting the colors of the sky.
step 05
Add the trees in the foreground using reds, oranges, and browns, employing short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Define the shapes of the bushes and trees in the foreground with darker values.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and texture.
step 08
Review and adjust colors and values to achieve the desired expressive effect.

color palette

primary · yellow · blue · red · green

secondary · orange · brown · gray

Mix greens from blues and yellows, oranges from reds and yellows, and browns from reds, yellows, and blues. Use white to lighten values and create tints.

techniques