Monday, June 17, 2013
consider the paper
First look at the paper color. There are endless possibilities. Rather than teach a more complicated underpainting technique we chose one paper color to direct the painting.Above (top) is the standard white (Rives BFK). Below is a black paper (Canson I think). Tomorrow we will use paper colors we make.
After doing a small (1"x2" sketch) and a notan the goal was to block out the landscape into 5 colors. First, choose the darkest dark mass and the lightest mass. The darkest mass was about a 3-4 on the scale and the lightest (sky) was 9-10. Choose the remaining 3 colors along the value scale and arrange according to light to dark. If this is done correctly there is a sense of distance, foreground and background - already.
After that is laid out the painting can already read well. Last step is when the artist really answers, "why am painting this?"(concept) and makes the diva (focal point.)
This is a basic outline made for the younger artist but applicable to any age beginner.
Have fun painting!