plate no. 9971

Thorn Tree

Graham Sutherland, 1946

oilNeo-Romanticismlandscapetreethornslandscapeskyabstractfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in abstracting natural forms and using a limited color palette to create depth and mood. It also encourages experimentation with texture and brushwork to suggest detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes of the tree, branches, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and block in the large areas of color for the sky and ground.
step 03
Mix the various shades of green and blue, paying attention to subtle variations in tone.
step 04
Start applying the base colors for the tree trunk and branches, building up layers to create depth.
step 05
Add the thorn details using a smaller brush, focusing on their shapes and placement.
step 06
Introduce the orange accents to create visual interest and contrast.
step 07
Refine the details of the foliage and background elements, using a variety of brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and form.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Sap Green · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Umber · Cadmium Orange · Yellow Ochre

Mix various greens by combining Sap Green with Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Use white to lighten the values and create highlights. Achieve the orange accents by mixing Cadmium Orange with a touch of Yellow Ochre.

techniques