Click Images for Larger Views
====================================================
After I’m done with the acrylic stage (and it is completely dry), I seal the entire canvas with Winsor-Newton’s Liquin.
My first layer of oil on the background. I want to create an outdoor scene. As you can see it is messy and moody and neutral.
With a paper towel in one hand and a brush in the other, I begin to “push” the wet paint around.
I am only using transparent colors at this stage. If I begin to use opaque colors, it will turn into mud…ick.
I generally have something in mind but this is a good time to “play around” with color and value.
Background is done and I’ll let it dry. Then I use soft chalk or charcoal to draw guidelines on the jacket. I keep it very light and it just melts into the paint when I cover it over.
To paint the color white, I use Raw Umber + Titanium white and this mixture is slightly cooler than what I can get with the acrylic colors. However I match the value exactly in my oils and paint over it. That “white” skirt, face doesn’t look so dark now, eh?
In oil paint, I divide the jacket, skirt, etc. into general light and shadow. I cover up all the acrylic paint with oil.
I keep the light and shadow general so I can manipulate the patterns. I use a photographic reference as my guide but seldom feel bound by “reality” if I can think of something better (that looks believable).
I continue to work with just general light and shadow and start turning the background into “real paint.” That is, I follow the underpainting as a guide and begin to add opaque colors.
<< Gwyneth Demo 1 | Gwyneth Demo 3 >>
 |
Grab a cup of virtual coffee and stop by my Painting Studio to see what’s happening. Also come visit my Portrait & Landscape Galleries. |
Thank you it is always wonderful to see the creative process, step by step. Your ‘exactness’ is what has caught my eye, your diligent, careful, process. I know that I need to do this more, as a more free stroke style artist. I’m learning a lot. The end product is a fine portrait with classic qualities. Congratulations and thank you again.
This is really great and helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent!
Great to see a fellow artist sharing their secrets. I have been trying to do this on my blog too. Hopefully it will help with the learning curve for others!
hello
What is a work of art ( painting ) that symbolizes determination, struggle, or a desire to succeed????????????
Joe