plate no. 6068

Mt. Strútur and Eiríksjökull Glacier, West Iceland

Asgrimur Jonsson, 1948

oilImpressionismlandscapemountaintreeslandscapeskyglaciervegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes to create depth and using broken color to represent foliage. It also provides practice in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, landscape, and trees, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blues and purples to the sky and mountain, leaving some areas white for highlights.
step 03
Add a light wash of yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the distant landscape.
step 04
Begin layering washes of green, brown, and red to create the foliage, using broken color and varied brushstrokes.
step 05
Darken the shadows under the trees and in the landscape with a mix of burnt umber and indigo.
step 06
Add details to the trees and foliage with a smaller brush, using dry brush techniques to create texture.
step 07
Refine the shapes and values of the mountain and landscape to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and cerulean blue. Create muted tones by adding a touch of complementary color. Use plenty of water to achieve transparent washes.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·layering washes
·broken color
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the washes.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Neglecting the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paper 140lb
·Watercolor paints
·Round brushes (sizes 4, 8, 12)
·Palette
·Water container
·Masking tape
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Palette knife
·Spray bottle
·Watercolor pencils

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure good color absorption. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve a variety of textures.

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