plate no. 0191

Max Egon (1869–1959), Prince Von Fürstenberg

Graham Sutherland, 1959

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremansuitheadface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and capturing likeness through expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and suit.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, green suit, and background.
step 03
Start building up the skin tones with layers of color, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with more detail.
step 05
Work on the suit, using different shades of green to create depth and texture.
step 06
Add the details of the bow tie and collar.
step 07
Refine the background, keeping it simple and uncluttered.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian green

secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use viridian green mixed with white and yellow ochre for the suit. Use black and ultramarine blue for the bow tie.

techniques