plate no. 1951

Sertigweg

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1926

oil, canvasExpressionismlandscapemountainstreesriverlandscapeskyfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive color to convey mood and atmosphere. Students will also practice layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains, trees, and river.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and mountains.
step 03
Add the darker tones of the trees and foreground, defining the shapes.
step 04
Paint the river with bold strokes of white and blue, capturing the movement of the water.
step 05
Add details to the trees, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 06
Introduce the pink tones for the path and tree trunks.
step 07
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the overall balance of the painting.
step 08
Add final details, such as the figures and any highlights.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Crimson · Titanium White

secondary · Yellow Ochre · Viridian Green · Magenta

Mix blue and crimson for the mountain shadows. Use white to lighten the blues and pinks for the sky and river. Mix green with yellow ochre and blue for the foliage.

techniques