plate no. 6993

The Factory

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, 1909

oilExpressionismlandscapefactorybuildingslandscapeskyfieldchimney

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified shapes and expressive color application. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to convey texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, chimney, and landscape.
step 02
Block in the sky with diluted blues and grays, leaving some areas of the paper showing through.
step 03
Apply the primary colors (red, yellow, green) to the buildings and landscape using broad brushstrokes.
step 04
Add darker tones (blues, purples, browns) to create shadows and define shapes.
step 05
Use smaller brushstrokes to add details and texture to the landscape.
step 06
Outline key areas with darker colors to emphasize the forms.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · cerulean blue

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Create darker shades by adding burnt umber or ultramarine blue to the primary colors. Dilute colors with water for transparent washes.

techniques