plate no. 1119

Horned Forms

Graham Sutherland, 1944

oilNeo-Romanticismlandscapelandscapeabstract formshornsskyground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in abstracting forms from nature and using expressive brushwork to convey mood and texture. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing and layering to create depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to map out the basic shapes of the horned forms and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the red sky, yellow background, and red-brown ground.
step 03
Start building up the forms with darker tones, paying attention to the shadows and highlights.
step 04
Introduce the secondary colors and subtle variations within each area.
step 05
Add details to the horned forms, such as the lines and shapes that define their structure.
step 06
Create texture with visible brushstrokes, varying the direction and pressure.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend some areas to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · brown · white

secondary · black · purple · orange

Mix the red-brown ground color by combining red, brown, and a touch of black. Achieve the yellow background by mixing yellow with a touch of white and orange. Create the purple highlights on the horns by mixing red and blue.

techniques

·dry brush
·scumbling
·color layering
·expressive brushwork
·abstracting forms

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Making the forms too literal and not embracing the abstract nature of the subject.
→Failing to create enough contrast between the light and dark areas.
→Not paying attention to the overall composition and balance of the painting.