plate no. 4779

Landscape in the South of France

Graham Sutherland, 1950

oilNeo-Romanticismcityscapepalm treearchitecturegatelandscapeskyvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and atmosphere. It also provides a good opportunity to explore color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, focusing on the placement of the palm tree, buildings, and gate.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground, using diluted paint.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Begin to add details to the palm tree, buildings, and gate, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the vegetation, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · white · brown

secondary · green · gray · orange

Achieve the pinkish-red sky by mixing red and white. Create the earthy tones for the ground and buildings by mixing yellow, brown, and a touch of red. Use green and gray for the vegetation.

techniques