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home·artworks·View of the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn from Rosenlaui
View of the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn from Rosenlaui by Alexandre Calame

plate no. 3989

View of the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn from Rosenlaui

Alexandre Calame, 1858

oil, canvasRomanticismlandscapemountainstreeswaterrocksskylandscape
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering the textures of rocks, trees, and flowing water. Students will also learn to create depth and dimension through layering and glazing techniques.

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, trees, and stream.

  2. step 02

    Establish the sky and distant mountains with thin washes of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes of the trees and rocks with darker values.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering details on the trees, using varied greens and browns to create depth and texture.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights to the rocks and trees to create form and dimension.

  6. step 06

    Paint the flowing water, using white and light blue to capture the movement and reflections.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details and add finishing touches, such as small plants and shadows.

  8. step 08

    Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white · Sap green

secondary · Yellow ochre · Cadmium yellow · Alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining Prussian blue, Sap green, and Yellow ochre. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant elements.

techniques

  • ·Atmospheric perspective
  • ·Layering
  • ·Glazing
  • ·Dry brushing
  • ·Scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
  • →Using too much detail in the background.
  • →Not varying the greens and browns enough in the trees and rocks.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Burnt umber, Titanium white, Sap green, Yellow ochre)
  • ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Palette knife

optional

  • ·Medium gloss
  • ·Retouch varnish
  • ·Easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before painting.

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