plate no. 3079

Mountains (Rocky Way Landscape)

Franz Marc, 1912

oil, canvasCubismlandscapemountainslandscapeskytreesgeometric shapes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of geometric shapes to represent natural forms and explore expressive color choices to convey mood and atmosphere. It also encourages simplification and abstraction of a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes of the mountains and landscape.
step 02
Divide the canvas into the main areas: sky, mountains, and foreground.
step 03
Block in the primary colors for each area, focusing on large shapes first.
step 04
Begin to refine the shapes and add secondary colors to create depth and variation.
step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy to the painting.
step 06
Pay attention to the edges of the shapes, allowing some to blend and others to remain distinct.
step 07
Add small details and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to color and composition.

color palette

primary · emerald green · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · violet

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve variations in color by adding white or complementary colors to create muted tones. Use glazes to create depth.

techniques