Paint a Friedrich-inspired landscape in this KS2 and KS3 art lesson. Includes a printable wanderer silhouette, teacher instructions and an example.

Pupils create an original landscape around a printed black figure, exploring colour, depth and atmosphere. Inspired by Caspar David Friedrich’s Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, they imagine a setting of their own rather than copying the original painting.

Their wanderer might overlook mountains, a coastline, a desert, a misty city or a fantasy world.

What’s included:
• Teacher instruction sheet with three practical steps, two printing options and a quick assessment checklist.
• A4 landscape template with a black wanderer and rocky foreground.
• Full-colour finished example for inspiration.

Pupils practise:
• Creating depth through foreground, middle ground and background.
• Using light, dark and colour transitions to suggest atmosphere.
• Combining a dark silhouette with a painted landscape.
• Developing a personal response to an artist’s work.

Two ways to use the template:
• Print on suitable heavyweight paper and paint around the silhouette.
• Print on ordinary paper, cut out the silhouette and glue it onto a separately painted landscape once dry.

Age range: 10–14 years — upper KS2 and KS3.
Time: approximately 30–50 minutes, plus drying time.
Materials: heavyweight paper, opaque watercolours, a wide brush, water, pencil and kitchen roll. Scissors and glue are needed for the collage option.
Format: 3-page PDF, including an A4 landscape template.

The finished example offers inspiration. Pupils choose their own landscape, colours and mood.