Tuesday, March 06, 2012


The Calm And The Turbulence   ..11" x 14"   o/p

Usually, after laying in the composition of the painting, I continue with laying in the dark washes of the shadow sides of the main objects, establishing their values, then the lighter side.
The bottom or foreground in this case, was established thirdly.
I think that this method or 'order', ( sounds like a rule to break) allows me to continue working with the subject of the painting, bringing it to a more finished look or at least gives a good hint as to how it may look when closer to finish.

I feel that this is an important stage of the painting because the finished or near finished 'look' of the main objects and foreground at this point will influence or help determine how I will handle the sky.
In the majority of my paintings , I employ this method.
It just seems to me to make more sense to have the main objects or subject determine the sky effect than to have the opposite, the limitations of the prepainted sky influencing the rest of the painting.
From here on it is simply a question of adjusting values and perhaps bringing some of the sky colour/colours into the rest of the near completed painting.  ..Just my humble opinion !

'til next..





12 comments:

Jennifer Koach said...

I rarely paint landscapes so I was interested in your method. I thought it was the light from the sky that would determine how to handle the rest of the painting,ie, where to put the shadows and light?

Sunnybrook Farm said...

Interesting, I will have to experiment with your method as it comes together nicely!

Frank A. said...

Jennifer Koach..

Jennifer , Thanks for your interest in my,'usual method'. :)

" I thought it was the light from the sky that would determine how to handle the rest of the painting,ie, where to put the shadows and light? "

Yes..But, why be locked into a "painting" dictated by a predetermined sky and shadows ?

Plein Air painting has taught me the value of time, and its' importance to painting. 'Capturing the moment" so to speak..
Shadows and light are constantly changing.
For example..
If an 11 x 14 takes three hrs., (approx.) and I have drawn my composition and layed in the sky and fixed shadows of my subject begining at, say, 9:00 a.m., and that takes half an hour, meanwhile, the shadows and sky of my scene or subject are changing,right?
So, for the next 2 1/2 hours I work around my painted in shadows. And what about my ever changing sky. So, you can see my delema.
I just find it, by experience, to paint the three hours later sky and shadows (if there are any) and adjust their values to suit the rest of the painting. See where I am coming from ?
I feel that I have more control of my painting with this order of 'things'.

Sorry for being so "long winded", but hope that I have helped explain my method to you.

Take care..Good Luck with the portraits !

Frank A. said...

Sunnybrook Farm

Thank you, Gill ! I really hope that your experiments work out for you.
I see lots of great things to paint around your place. Beautiful !

All the best with your painting.

Frank.

Papierflieger said...

Holy moly, what a radiant light in that winter landscape!

Great piece Edward!

Frank A. said...

Papierflieger..

"Holy moly, what a radiant light in that winter landscape!"

Thank you, Robin ! :) (Holy Moly, Batman !)

Great to hear from you, Martin.
Seems like awhile !
Hope all is well with you and yours..

Frank..

Nora MacPhail said...

Sensational sky and wonderful brushstrokes. Fantabulous!
Happy Painting,
Nora

Frank A. said...

Nora MacPhail

Nora, Thank you very much. Your comments are much appreciated.

"Fantabulous!"

Wow, I have not heard that word in awhile. :-) Good one !

Happy Painting to you as well.

Frank..

David Webb said...

Frank, you're very good at painting 'cold'. Great atmosphere in your paintings.

Chesterbrook Academy Elementary said...

Beautiful soft tones; expressive brushstroke.

Frank A. said...

David Webb

David..Thank you for your comment and compliment. They are both appreciated.
I have both read and observed your paintings on your blog (beautiful paintings and blog IMHO )
I understand your enthusiasm for "mood and atmosphere" in paintings and how essential they are.
We have "Leisure Painter" available to us and I will read your article in the latest issue.

Frank...

Frank A. said...

Art at Chesterbrook Academy Elementory.

It was with pleasure that I viewed your school art blog. I was impressed and I compliment you on your program and dedication to art education.

"Beautiful soft tones; expressive brushstroke."

Thank you for your views and compliments of my latest painting.
They are appreciated !

Continued success with 'Art' in your school.

Frank..