Starting A New Painting
I've started a new painting and thought you might like to follow along from start to finish. The first thing I do after deciding what I want to paint is think about the composition and mull over colors. Sometimes, I'll sketch out an idea to help refine what I want to do.
Once I have a mental picture of the painting, the next step is gather up the photos, sketches, and other reference material. These help me see the shapes of what I am painting. Some artist project their references and trace the shapes. I haven't tried that – I like the process of drawing out the picture. For this painting I am using photos I've taken of irises and relying on years of observing irises up close in my yard.
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The next step is choosing the size canvas and base coating the background color. I like to paint the whole background to get rid of the white and to help balance colors and tones from the start. I chose a dark green that will help create depth later in the painting. After the base coat is dried, I begin sketching right on to the canvas. I use a pastel pencil or chalk because I can wipe away it away with a wet towel. This way I can redraw as much as I need to until the composition and the shapes are to my satisfaction. Here's the start of the painting:
Now comes the best parts – painting! Stayed tuned for the next step and a further peek behind my easel. : )
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