plate no. 0724

Moon Rising at the Staffelalp

oilExpressionismlandscapemountainsbuildingsfiguresskylandscapemoon

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice bold brushstrokes and color mixing to create expressive landscapes. It also encourages simplification of forms and using color to convey mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, buildings, and figures, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with dark blue, leaving space for the moon.
step 03
Apply broad strokes of green and yellow for the landscape, varying the hues.
step 04
Paint the buildings with red, blue, and touches of yellow, defining their forms.
step 05
Add the figures with simplified shapes and bold blue strokes.
step 06
Create the moon using concentric circles of orange, yellow, and white.
step 07
Refine details and add highlights to enhance the overall effect.
step 08
Review and adjust colors and values to achieve the desired expressive quality.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium yellow · Cadmium red

secondary · Titanium white · Emerald green

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Create variations in the landscape by adding small amounts of red or white to the green. Achieve the moon's glow by layering yellow and orange, and blending with white.

techniques