plate no. 3940

The Walchensee on Saint John's Eve

Lovis Corinth, 1920

oilExpressionismlandscapelakemountainscloudstreesbuildingssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing atmospheric perspective with color and value. It also provides practice in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the mountains, lake, and foreground.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue, white, and hints of pink and orange, capturing the cloud formations.
step 03
Establish the dark mass of the mountains in the background, using a mix of blues, purples, and blacks.
step 04
Paint the lake with horizontal strokes of white, gray, and blue, reflecting the sky and mountains.
step 05
Define the foreground with greens and browns, using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 06
Add details to the buildings and trees, using darker values to create contrast and depth.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 08
Add final touches and details to enhance the overall mood and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · viridian green

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix blues and whites for the sky and lake, adding small amounts of red or yellow to create subtle variations. Use greens and browns for the foreground, mixing in blues and yellows to create depth and shadow.

techniques