plate no. 6139
Schynige plate
Ferdinand Hodler, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to build up layers of color to create depth and form, as well as how to use visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest to a landscape painting. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic outline of the mountain and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and yellow washes.
- step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the mountain using thin washes of green and blue.
- step 04
Begin layering darker blues and greens to define the ridges and valleys.
- step 05
Add details like trees and shadows with short, deliberate brushstrokes.
- step 06
Introduce yellow and lighter greens to highlight areas of sunlight.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the mountain and the sky to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · yellow ochre
secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by blending blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors for highlights and sky. Vary the blue to green ratio to create different shades for the mountain.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Not establishing a clear sense of light and shadow.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Using too much paint, which can obscure the texture of the canvas.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) for this project. Consider using a slightly textured canvas to enhance the brushwork.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
