plate no. 0950

Red mountain

David Kakabadze, 1944

oilExpressionismlandscapemountainfieldslandscapetreesskybuilding

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color blocking and understanding how to simplify complex landscapes into geometric shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color temperature and creating depth through color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, fields, and sky, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Divide the mountain and fields into the distinct geometric blocks of color.
step 03
Start with the background sky and distant mountains, using lighter, cooler tones.
step 04
Block in the main colors of the mountain fields, starting with the darker shades and gradually adding lighter tones.
step 05
Add details to the foreground, such as trees, the building, and the small house.
step 06
Refine the edges of the color blocks to create a sense of depth and form.
step 07
Add small details like the tiny trees on the mountain and subtle variations within the color blocks.
step 08
Review the overall painting and make any necessary adjustments to color balance and composition.

color palette

primary · red · orange · green · yellow

secondary · gray · pink · blue · brown

Mix various shades of red and orange by adding white, yellow, or a touch of blue. Achieve the greens by mixing blues and yellows, and create grays by mixing complementary colors.

techniques