Don’t Quit HERE!
Creating a painting has stages and beginners often quit before they get to the good stuff. This weeks video shows the stages and how to move forward when you might want to quit.
Stage 1
In my world Stage 1 is the sketch. You can sketch it on paper or use paint to sketch it one your canvas. I did my sketch on paper and then I drew it on my canvas with soft vine charcoal. I also gave a demonstration of toning the canvas with yellow.
Yellow is not the tone I usually use, but I was experimenting with the yellow background to get that color to glow throughout the painting.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is the problem child. This is where beginners think their painting is finished and it looks awful. First off, it’s not done. This is where it should look awful. This is the underpainting and you have miles to go before you sleep so don’t quit.
In stage 2 you have a foundation but no details. This is true in all paintings. You’re just getting ready for the good stuff so DO NOT QUIT!
Stage 3
You made it to the good stuff! Now comes highlights, shading, definition and other details. In this stage you are going to pay much more attention to:
- values
- where the light is coming from.
Every item needs a minimum of 3 values in order for it to have form so this is something to really pay attention to.
Here’s a blog post that will help with VALUES.
Being consistent on where your light is coming from in the painting is another thing that can be problematic. If it’s coming from the left, all things on the left need to be lighter and things on the right need to be darker. There should also be a gradation between the 2 values.
Every Painting Is a Learning Experience
We learn from everything we create. It’s a win or we learn type of situation. But it’s never a quitting situation. You may not create your best work, but it’s important to finish the work.
Other Tips Of Interest:
- Stand back 4-6 feet and evaluate your painting
- Look at it from your camera
- Turn your painting upside down and study it
- Walk away from it for a while but not forever
Artists are traditionally hard on themselves and this is where you need to gather your drive and self confidence and work beyond any self doubt that’s trying to creep in. You can do this! Keep your spirits high and continue on!
It’s OK to take a break! Not a forever break, but a break. Come back to it tomorrow or next week but come back to it.
I hope this helps you to move forward in your art journey with knowledge and confidence. This is a skill and you can learn a skill, practice a skill and improve on a skill. It’s not a try once and succeed proposition. Time and effort are your best friends
Have a great day and let’s paint together soon.
Sharon
P.S. Get your 5 Secrets Every Artist Should Know HERE. Print it out and keep near where you paint.