I happened on this site here over the holidays and it seemed a less painful method for attempting this style of painting. Of course, had to give it a bit of the 'ole Ross spin.
Didn't want to prep the canvas, but since our goal was an eggshell surface, I used one of the Ampersand boards. Then went to trusty Photoshop and posterized to 6 levels. that gave me 4 greys, black and white.
Did the first 2 steps yesterday...got the drawing done, and inked that...then the impramatura (fancy for 1st layer). I did mine in acrylic so it would be ready today. My color did not have enough yellow ochre in it, so mine is a bit more grey than olive green. I also got a bit too heavy in spots and almost lost my inked drawing. oops.
So, here we are for better or worse...'cept I'm not marrying this technique. Just playing. Something I need to do more of. The top photo is a peony, the bottom 2 young french girls playing.
Got up today ready to start...but forgot I didn't have any burnt umber. Trip to Hobby Lobby...pigments on sale, so were brushes. Added a few more inexpensive mop brushes for all the blending necessary.
Started around 1:30, and quit around 5:30 with the 3rd stage complete.
Wow. Randy thought it was a photo (I guess that is a compliment!)
He left before he saw this one...can't believe it actually looks like something already.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's stage 4. If these are dry enough. That is the bugger with this Flemish technique. In the old days they'd have to wait several days between stages. If this was 'your' chosen method of painting, you'd want to have several starts so you'd have something to work on every day.
Realized I didn't have Prussian Blue for tomorrows 'dead' layer...back to Hobby Lobby. We are supposed to have ice tonight/tomorrow.
7 comments:
How do you start two pieces when you weren't feeling well! I keep forgetting you're a machine! :)
These are looking good. I don't think I've ever gone to the dead layer but I used to always paint with an umber or oxide green layer, sometimes even prussian, come to think of it, I under paint in whatever my mood is lol I think you will love the deeper quality of the final look. It's good that you are exploring the alla prima and the long process techniques, it will keep your brain, eyes and finger muscles in shape like a good workout program! Better run to HobbyLobby good thing they're on sale! - your CD
the thing I fight most is being too realistic! So working in this method is like candy for me...especially since finishing the portrait challenge!
I can't wait to see the next layer! You are doing great! I enjoy your blog. Linda
thanks Linda...I thoroughly enjoy posting it and hearing from those who get something out of it!
Lookin' good, Girl!
How wonderful you can just make a quick trip to Hobby Lobby! If I run out of something up here at the edge of the earth, it's like that line from O Brother Where Art Thou when the clerk told him he could order the hair jelly for him and it would be there in 2 weeks; "Well now ain't this just a geographical oddity... two weeks from everwhare!"
Vicki both starts are glorious! I love the fact that you are experimenting. I know you will have two successful paintings...I do believe you are on a roll!!
Diana...there are definite advantages to being 15 minutes away from most anything in the world! I don't want to live isolated. O Brother is one of my fav movies. If I did, my studio would have multiples of everything...I could put Jerry's Artarama to shame!
Theresa, thanks. I fluctuate between 'playing' and 'experimenting' too much and as in my past, become a jack of all trades and a master of none. I'm just not ready to settle down to one method, one medium, one subject. Tell Max hi and to not keep you away from us and the easel!
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