plate no. 0877

View of the Horn of Fromberg from Reichenbach

Ferdinand Hodler, 1903

oil, canvasArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapemountainsfieldsvillageskylandscapetrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and practice using color to create depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in applying expressive brushstrokes to define form and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, fields, and village, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, leaving space for the clouds.
step 03
Apply a base layer of yellow to the fields, varying the tone slightly to suggest depth.
step 04
Paint the mountains using a mix of blues, browns, and purples, adding highlights with yellow.
step 05
Add the details of the village, using small strokes to represent the buildings and trees.
step 06
Refine the details in the foreground, adding texture to the grass and flowers.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the mountain shadows. Use yellow ochre and titanium white to create the bright field colors. Add small amounts of cadmium red to the yellow for the foreground flowers.

techniques