plate no. 7429

Zwei Mädchen Im Wald

Otto Mueller, 1919

oilExpressionismnude painting (nu)figureswatertreeslandscapenudes

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using expressive mark-making to create texture and form. It also provides practice in figure drawing and depicting reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figures, landscape, and water.
step 02
Block in the main areas of dark and light using diluted black or grey paint.
step 03
Add the yellow tone to the figures, keeping it simple and flat.
step 04
Define the trees and foliage with short, expressive strokes of black and grey.
step 05
Create the water texture using horizontal strokes, varying the pressure and spacing.
step 06
Add reflections of the figures in the water with lighter tones.
step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches to enhance the overall composition.
step 08
Consider adding a light wash of a neutral tone to unify the background.

color palette

primary · black · grey · yellow ochre

secondary · raw umber · titanium white

Mix black with white to create various shades of grey. Add a touch of raw umber to the grey for a warmer tone. Use yellow ochre straight from the tube for the figures.

techniques