plate no. 0456
Spring
Janos Mattis-Teutsch, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and experimenting with bold color combinations to create a vibrant landscape. Students will also learn to control brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the hills, trees, and sky.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background.
- step 03
Add the bands of color to the hills, following the contours of the shapes.
- step 04
Paint the trees using vertical strokes, varying the colors for depth.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and colors, adding details and texture with brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add the pink accents to the hills, blending slightly.
- step 07
Define the edges of the shapes with darker colors to create contrast.
- step 08
Review and adjust colors and values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow · blue · green
secondary · pink · dark green · purple
Mix various shades of green by combining yellow and blue. Create pink by mixing red and white. Achieve darker tones by adding a touch of black or a complementary color.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color layering
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Not varying brushstrokes enough, creating a flat look.
- →Ignoring the underlying shapes and focusing only on the colors.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Making the edges too sharp and defined.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (yellow, blue, green, pink, purple, dark green)
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (for oil paints)
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
- ·Medium gloss
Use good quality paints for better color saturation. A slightly textured canvas can enhance the brushstroke effect.
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