Continue Adding Layers Of Thin Paint

Add several thin layers

I continue blocking in colors with acrylic paint. At this stage my paint is watered down much like the consistency of Watercolor paint. As I continue to add layers the paint becomes heavier but not as thick as the paint right of the tube.

Opposite Colors Attract Interest



The beginning of

"Passage Into Palisades"

Once the outline is complete the next step is deciding what colors to use. I like to chose colors opposite on the color wheel that reflect or enhance highlights. For instance, the hair I used a soft orange which creates depth when layering dark colors over the orange. With most my paintings I try several color variations until I am satisfied with the end result.


The Beginning Of "Passage Into Palisades"

Image outline

(Fig. 2)

I feel the most difficult part of beginning a project is choosing the right image. For me, I need to look at picture or an inspirational piece as a starting point. For this particular project, I chose a photo I took of my daughter while we were out hiking in the beautiful Mississippi Palisade Park. 

For a quick start I enlarged the original 8x10 photo into four 8x10 sections (Fig. 2) and placed together to form one large photo. Next, I used tracing paper to trace the outline of the image onto a 24x18 canvas. This allowed me to place the image proportionately without much fuss, plus it was quick and easy. Some call this cheating, I call it being efficient. 

Photos To Inspire My Next Painting

Landscape

Landscape Portrait

What's Next...

I'm contemplating my next painting subject, and a self-portrait seems intriguing, particularly in the style reminiscent of Andy Warhol's iconic works. It would certainly present a unique challenge. Alternatively, I'm considering a portrait, a landscape, or even diving into the realm of abstract art.

Deciding what to paint is always the toughest part of the process for me. Without external pressure or demand for my artwork, I'm driven by the desire to continuously evolve and explore new techniques. Each painting serves as a practice ground, pushing the boundaries of my creativity and honing my skills.

Castle and Dragons (Completed)



"Castle and Dragons"



Castle and Dragons

Typically, I enjoy painting landscape or scenic places I have visited. My subject for this painting was inspired from another artist. I would give credit to this artist if I knew the name on the picture I found on the Internet.

Castle and Dragons was created for my son who enjoys these magnificent fictional creatures. I wanted to use as few colors as possible to invoke a mystical theme. Most my other paintings I use many colors and variation of hues. The picture I used as my inspiration was done mostly in different tones of grey with hints of blue, black or charcoal. For my painting I used purple,ultramarine blue, process cyan, cobalt teal, paynes grey, raw umber, burnt sienna, orange, yellow ochre, black and white. I was happy with my finished piece considering this was my first attempt with a more monochromatic feel. I would have liked my painting better if it looked more realistic! I keep telling myself the more practice painting different subjects I will eventually find my "it" factor...until then practice, practice, practice and learning patience along my painting journey.

Sketch and mask

Used deep and light purple
for the under painting before
adding different hues of grey and blue.

Remove masking paint

Grey and blue blended too
much with the sky.

Used orange for an under painting.
Liked the affect
but it was not what I wanted.
But interesting!

Then I used a mix of Raw Umber

and Colbalt Teal