plate no. 0267

Sunset

Max Pechstein, 1921

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguressunsetlandscapeskyclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and using expressive color to convey mood. It also provides practice in capturing figures in a stylized manner.

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 of the figures and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, and land, using thin washes.
step 03
Define the figures with simplified shapes, paying attention to proportions and gesture.
step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the figures' skin tones and clothing, using bold brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the faces, simplifying features and using color to define form.
step 06
Refine the background landscape, adding details to the sea and sky.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to color, value, and composition.

color palette

primary · yellow · green · orange · brown

secondary · gray · blue · red

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue, and create skin tones by mixing browns, reds, and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and black to darken them.

techniques