plate no. 5516

Lava at Bessastadir

Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval, 1954

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscaperocksmountainsskyvegetationstone wall

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create texture and using broken color techniques to represent complex surfaces. It also encourages careful observation of subtle color variations in natural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the rocks and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering colors within each rock formation, using small, broken brushstrokes.
step 04
Focus on capturing the local color of each area, then add variations for light and shadow.
step 05
Build up texture by layering different colors and values, allowing some areas to remain more transparent.
step 06
Add details such as moss and lichen with small, precise brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the rocks.

color palette

primary · gray · brown · green

secondary · ochre · blue · white

Mix various shades of gray by combining black, white, and small amounts of brown or blue. Achieve earthy greens by mixing yellow and blue with a touch of brown. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques