plate no. 7943

Sermon on the Mountain

Bertalan Por, 1911

oilPost-Impressionismgenre paintingfigureslandscapehillsskygroupsermon

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing figures in a landscape with expressive brushstrokes and a limited color palette. Students can learn to simplify forms and focus on capturing the overall impression rather than precise details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the landscape.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes, starting with the sky and background hills.
step 03
Begin to define the figures with darker values, paying attention to the direction of light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the figures, such as facial features and clothing, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the landscape further, adding texture and depth to the grass and hills.
step 06
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism and depth.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the skin tones. Add white to lighten the colors and blue/green to create shadows. Use viridian green and ultramarine blue to create the hills and sky, mixing with white for lighter tones.

techniques