plate no. 2401

Rote Giebel - Rote Dächer

Alexej von Jawlensky, 1910

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapehousestreesskybuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and form. It also encourages experimentation with color relationships and non-realistic color choices.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the houses, hills, and trees, focusing on their geometric forms.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue, allowing some brushstrokes to show through.
step 03
Apply the primary colors (red, yellow, green) to the houses and hills, using bold, visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Mix secondary colors (purple, brown) to add depth and shadow to the trees and foreground.
step 05
Use short, vertical brushstrokes to create the texture of the grass and foliage.
step 06
Add highlights with lighter shades of yellow and green to create a sense of light and form.
step 07
Refine the shapes and colors, adjusting the values to create contrast and interest.
step 08
Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · viridian green · ultramarine blue

secondary · purple · brown · ochre

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Create browns by mixing red, yellow, and blue. Achieve purple by mixing red and blue.

techniques

·blocking in
·expressive brushstrokes
·color mixing
·simplification
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Losing the geometric shapes of the houses and hills.
→Using too much detail, which detracts from the expressive nature of the painting.
→Not allowing the paint to dry between layers, which can cause colors to mix unintentionally.