plate no. 6853

Mt. Hekla

Asgrimur Jonsson, 1927

oilImpressionismlandscapemountainstreeslandscapeskyvalleyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and broken color techniques to create depth and visual interest. It also provides practice in layering colors to achieve realistic foliage and mountain textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains, valley, and foreground elements.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant mountain range with light blues and grays, using thin washes.
step 03
Block in the mid-ground valley with broad strokes of ochre, sienna, and green, varying the color intensity.
step 04
Begin layering the foreground trees and foliage, using darker greens and browns, and varying brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Add highlights to the trees and foliage with lighter greens and yellows to create depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the mountains, adding shadows and highlights to define the peaks and valleys.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the foreground elements to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green

secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light · raw umber

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening colors with white and adding a touch of blue as they recede into the distance.

techniques