plate no. 2612

Mountain-landscape of Frenières, an Alpine site above Bex, canton Vaud

Hubertine Heijermans, 2003

watercolor, paperRealismlandscapemountainslandscapebuildingtreesskygrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering watercolor washes to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing loose, expressive brushstrokes to capture the textures of the landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: mountains, building, and foreground.
step 02
Apply a light wash of blue for the sky, allowing it to blend softly.
step 03
Paint the distant mountains with diluted purples and grays, focusing on the overall shapes.
step 04
Add the darker greens and browns for the trees and foreground, using varied washes.
step 05
Paint the building with a mix of browns, purples, and yellows, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the foreground, such as the cow and rocks, with darker values.
step 07
Refine the details in the mountains and trees, adding texture with dry brush techniques.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · sap green

secondary · purple · yellow ochre · raw umber

Mix blues and browns for the sky and distant mountains. Use green and yellow ochre for the grass, adding touches of red for variation. Achieve the building's color by mixing burnt sienna, purple, and a touch of yellow.

techniques