plate no. 9071

Morgenschatten

Gabriele Munter, 1924

oilExpressionismlandscapemountainssnowtreesskylandscapeshadows

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for practicing watercolor washes and understanding how to depict snow shadows with cool colors. It also helps develop skills in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes of the mountains, trees, and foreground.
step 02
Mix a light blue wash for the sky and apply it, leaving some areas white for clouds.
step 03
Create a slightly darker blue wash for the shadows on the snow, varying the intensity.
step 04
Paint the trees with a mix of green and blue, using vertical strokes to suggest their form.
step 05
Add details to the foreground, such as the small trees and shadows.
step 06
Use a fine brush to outline the shapes with a thin line of diluted brown or black.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the depth and contrast.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · raw umber · white

secondary · sap green · burnt sienna

Mix cerulean blue with white for the sky and snow shadows. Add a touch of raw umber to the blue for darker shadows. Use sap green and raw umber for the trees, adjusting the ratio for variation.

techniques