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home·artworks·Storm in the Mountains
Storm in the Mountains by Hermann Ottomar Herzog

plate no. 4296

Storm in the Mountains

Hermann Ottomar Herzog

oilRomanticismlandscapemountainstreeswaterfallrocksfoliagesky
experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex textures of rocks and foliage. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and drama through light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountains and the waterfall.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber, paying attention to the areas of light and shadow.

  3. step 03

    Block in the sky and distant mountains with muted grays and blues, using soft blending techniques.

  4. step 04

    Begin to build up the details of the foreground rocks and foliage, using a variety of brushstrokes and textures.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights to the rocks and foliage to create a sense of depth and dimension.

  6. step 06

    Paint the waterfall with thin, vertical strokes of white and light gray.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details of the trees and branches, paying attention to their shapes and textures.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · payne's gray

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin glazes of color to create depth and atmosphere.

techniques

  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·glazing
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·wet-on-dry layering

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Ignoring the importance of soft edges and blending.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·oil paints
  • ·turpentine or mineral spirits
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.

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