Garden chores

Its still in progress. I am just about done with filling the canvas with the overall colors in the painting. Yet to build it all up and finish it off. I'll be sure to post when its done.  

The Exhibit

The subject lends itself well to studies, good for drawing and exercising the value scale. I want to aim for more finesse and varied brushwork the next time around. 

Back Again

An early in the day effort, all while trying to keep myself from biting my nails off during the immense excitement from some amazing tennis this morning! Though most of the work only went in after it ended. I am not very fond of classical realism but it is great for practicing drawing and the subtle value shifts. I changed my hold on the brush a few times and had more control than I had thought was possible. And starting with a black canvas is not something I might repeat. The colors seemed off, was difficult to get a handle on the darks and I couldn't achieve the 'cast' look with the same palette as the one I had used for 'Lady in Grey'.

Lady in Grey

The reference is from the Watts Atelier Program. I kept in mind to break the painting down into and filling in the shadow and light areas before modelling the form with mid-tones and highlights. Taking color out of the equation helps to focus on the values! Though I did use a hint of terra rosa in the reflected lights to add some interest.

Cast Away

 

Painting is really drawing with paint. I had to train to hold the pencil the way I should a paint brush and use the whole arm instead of using just the wrist. Sketching is tedious and intense. I have been painting more and drawing less; I should retrace a bit and sketch more often. Hmm. 

A Study in Green

A sketch from the day at the Gardens of Luxembourg. I mixed up a lot of different greens to have some variations in the foliage in the green dominated scene. The day was bright and since I was not painting under shade, the colors and the contrast seemed muted under indoor light. A lesson learnt for plein air outings! 

Cast Drawing

Quiet, please