plate no. 1394

Devastation, 1941, City, Panorama of Ruin

Graham Sutherland, 1941

oilNeo-Romanticismcityscapecityscapebuildingsruinsurbanarchitectureabstract

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint, creating texture with brushstrokes, and using a limited color palette to evoke a specific mood. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into abstract shapes.

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 buildings, focusing on their vertical orientation and relative sizes.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of dark brown or black to the background, leaving some areas lighter to create depth.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the buildings: white, green, and red.
step 04
Add texture to the buildings using dry brush techniques and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Layer different shades of green and brown to create the effect of decay and overgrowth.
step 06
Use a fine brush to add details such as windows and architectural features.
step 07
Introduce subtle color variations to add depth and interest.
step 08
Refine the composition by adjusting the values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · sap green · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Mix greens by combining sap green with burnt umber or ivory black for darker shades. Create grays by mixing white and black, and adjust the tone with small amounts of burnt umber.

techniques

·dry brush
·layering
·scumbling
·limited palette
·abstracting forms

common pitfalls

→overworking the details
→using too many colors
→losing the abstract quality
→making the buildings too symmetrical

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·#4 round brush
·#8 flat brush
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium

optional

·painting knife
·retarder medium
·varnish

Use a textured canvas to enhance the effect of decay and ruin. Acrylics will dry faster, allowing for quicker layering, while oils will offer more blending time.

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