plate no. 4997

Cecil Harmsworth King

Graham Sutherland, 1969

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremansuitfacehands

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using expressive brushstrokes to convey character. It also offers practice in color mixing and value control to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background, suit, and skin tones, using thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up the values and details in the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the suit, including the pinstripes and folds, using thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the hands, capturing their shape and texture with careful observation.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension throughout the painting.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to achieve the desired mood and effect.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups as needed.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, umber, and white. Add small amounts of blue or red to adjust the temperature of the skin tones.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·color layering
·portrait sketching
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the face, resulting in a stiff or unnatural appearance.
→Failing to capture the correct proportions of the figure.
→Using too much paint, leading to a muddy or overworked surface.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.