Monday, August 24, 2009

Get started

This is always a challenge. How can it be such a difficult choice to decide on what to paint next? Like a golf swing, everything must line up correctly to make a painting with a "wow" factor. The composition must be interesting. The focal point must be clear with at least 3 different values and well defined lights and shadows. The limited colors must harmonize, and work well together. Where did I put that color wheel this time? The lights are placed purposely and must move the eye around the painting to prevent getting stuck in one place. Edges must be firm , or bold to help define the story. Oh and there must BE a story! If painting from a photograph, the camera will sometimes distort, and the colors are not always well represented. The painting should look like a painting, not a photograph. Oh and then there is perspective...I bought a book that promised no pain while learning perspective, and I foolishly believed it. Try to draw groups of boxes with people on them. ugg ..Bottom line is the basis of a good painting is always the ability to execute a good drawing. I had alot of executions for sure, and learning to draw takes time and practice if your a science major as I am. Before you start, always to a thumbnail, work out the details and values before you begin the painting, or you will be struggling with how to finish the painting and may overwork it. Yikes .....now go get started

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