plate no. 4837

Rutarhof (Farmyard Light)

Werner Berg, 1964

oilExpressionismlandscapebuildingssnowtreeslandscapewinter

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop their understanding of color temperature and how to create depth using value and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and landscape, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background trees using a mix of blues and grays.
step 03
Establish the snow-covered ground with varying shades of blue and white, paying attention to the contours and shadows.
step 04
Paint the buildings, using darker blues and purples for the shadowed areas and lighter blues and whites for the illuminated parts.
step 05
Add the warm yellow glow emanating from the windows of the smaller building.
step 06
Define the details of the trees, using thin lines and branches to create a sense of depth and texture.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and blend the colors to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow · purple

Mix ultramarine blue and white for the various shades of snow. Add burnt umber to blue for darker shadows. Use yellow ochre and cadmium yellow for the warm light from the windows.

techniques