|
Step 1. The Line Drawing
The first step in creating a new painting is a line drawing that
shows placement of objects. A line drawing can be simple outlines of
shapes or can be detailed rendering of objects. Then the lines are transferred
to paper or board for the final painting. To keep my paper clean, I
usually transfer only one area at a time--whichever area I plan to work
on next.
|
Step 2. Value Decisions
There are many decisions to be made in the creation of a painting -
one judgment is about value. To hold the viewer's attention, it is important
to have a good range of value. I color the darkest areas first. The
lightest value is the white of the paper. With both ends of the value
scale established, I can better determine the middle values.
|
|
Step 3. Underpainting
Form and volume of the tablecloth surrounding the main subject is created
by applying French Gray in a range of values. Once it is a believable
likeness portraying form and volume through value, color will be added.
This underpainting or grisaille process separates value decisions from
color decisions.
|
Step 4. Add Color to the Foundation
Subtle colors reflected upon the tablecloth from the flowers and vase
are added. Juxtaposed colors - placing colors next to one another -
instead of direct layering adds interest. The holes in the tablecloth
and details of the vase are defined and darkened with Indigo Blue and
Black.
|
|
Step 5. The Main Subject
The local color of the main subject is pink. The darkest value of the
local color - in this case, Black Cherry - is applied to areas where
there is an absence of light. The form and volume of the petals is created
by applying color to and/or around each individual petal.
|
Step 6. Play Up the Light
To allow light to bathe the scene from the left, selected flower petals
are left uncolored. The white of the paper represents strong sunlight.
Where soft adjustment of previously applied color is needed, the area
can be dabbed with reusable adhesive to gently lift color.
|
