plate no. 0707

Sketch for 'The Crucifixion'

Graham Sutherland, 1946

oilExpressionismreligious paintingfigurecrucifixreligiouscrossabstractbody

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and abstracting the human form. It also encourages experimentation with color relationships and layering.

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 proportions of the figure and cross with light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of varying shades of blue and purple.
step 03
Roughly define the figure with white and gray, focusing on the overall form rather than precise details.
step 04
Add dark accents to create depth and shadow, particularly around the ribcage and joints.
step 05
Introduce small amounts of red for the blood details.
step 06
Use linear strokes of black and white to suggest texture and movement.
step 07
Refine the shapes and values, paying attention to the overall balance of the composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · payne's gray

secondary · purple · red · yellow ochre

Mix different shades of blue and purple by combining ultramarine blue with white, purple, and a touch of red. Use Payne's gray to create dark shadows and add depth.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·layering
·expressive linework
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Not capturing the emotional intensity of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·artist's turpentine or odorless mineral spirits

optional

·painting medium
·retarder medium
·easel

Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the expressive quality of the brushwork. Acrylics are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time.

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