plate no. 9451

South-front

Albin Egger-Lienz, 1908

canvas, oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapeclifffiguresshadowsarchitecturewar

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use a limited palette to create depth and form, and how to suggest details with expressive brushstrokes rather than precise rendering. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow on a textured surface.

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 cliff and figures, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the darkest shadows with a mix of burnt umber and a touch of blue.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones using a mix of ochre, burnt sienna, and white.
step 04
Add highlights with a lighter mix of yellow ochre and white, focusing on areas where light hits the cliff face.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the figures, using darker tones to define their forms.
step 06
Add details to the architecture, such as the stairs and wooden supports.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and texture.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Use white to create tints of the ochre and sienna for highlights. Mix burnt umber and blue for deep shadows. Vary the ratios to achieve subtle color shifts.

techniques