Finally, all the major characters have their initial lay in. Now the real work begins. I’ve been getting many questions regarding the finish. Famously, painter/teacher Thomas Couture replied when asked how would one know if a piece was finished? “Call it finished!”
With all seriousness, painting for me isn’t about an Alla Prima Effect. Alla Prima meaning all at once, and usually describes broken brushwork or a painterly effect. While I like the look of a calligraphic brush stroke of an artist like Richard Schmid or Sargent as much as the next guy, that isn’t my temperament. And yet, I am not into a highly licked finish of a Bargue or Ingres. (By the way the reason they call it a licked finish is because they used to lick their brush to bring it to a fine point, and because saliva is a great lubricant/solvent/catalyst. This is also the reason that many of the fine polished painters of the past suffered at some point in their careers from lead poisoning.) For me my goal is a finish similar to that Delaroche. Granted I realize that his paintings are quite a high standard for which to aim. But, as my Grandmother used to say, “Shoot to be president, and you might end up being president of a company,” and “Never play tennis with someone who you are better than.”
Anyway…I digress.
Each figure will be painted over with approximately 2-4 more layers of paint to correct errors in drawing, values, edges, and color. Also, I must bring the piece into a cohesive lighting experience. After that, there is the foliage, the bridge and the water which will each offer the their own unique challenges. We’ll see if I can pull off what I say I can. 🙂
On the bright side the sky is done. 🙂
2 comments
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May 6, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Sonai
Brilliant! Thank you for the brief history lessons. Thank you for sharing your journey and progress. You are a true Artist! I always knew you would be. I love color and emotion. It’s been amazing seeing your work of Art unfold and develop. The passion behind it and your experience…emotional attachment. And…your Grandmother is right!
May 6, 2010 at 10:24 PM
nystudios
Thank you for your nice words.