Painting Development : James
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SEE HOW THE PAINTING PROGRESSED, (Step by Step):
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1. This is where it begins to get exciting. I have already finished the long process of finalizing my composition. The following image shows the next step… The canvas has a coloured ‘ground’ (background) applied; after which I have transferred the final composition onto the canvas. Next step… Where to start applying the oils? Read on to find out.
2. The following image shows that I have made a start with the underlying base for the duvet. Still very loose at this stage. A lot more work to do here. With this being the bulk of the composition, I think I will be spending quite some on it. So there’s a lot more to come.
3. The next image shows that I’m working more on the folds of fabric. Trying to be careful not to overwork this as I slowly develop the creases, highlights and shadows. It’s a slow process as I am constantly reassessing each brushstroke placed. It may not look like a lot has been done, however, it’s taken quite a while to get to here. Still a lot to do…
4. Still progressing with the fabric. I’m getting there. The following image shows I have been working on it, being careful not to overwork it… Otherwise I may end up with a ‘mud bath’ of colour. I’m checking and adjusting highlights and shadows as I go. It’s hard to know when to stop this… It’s basically an instinctive feeling. I have also spent some time working on the bottom blue sheet. Still a lot to do here also. I will keep tweaking and adjusting the whole painting as it progresses. The amount of canvas covered is starting to give a feeling as to the final look of the work. Great!
5. It’s been a while since I posted progress. I have been working steadily on the painting. My main focus has been the blue sheet James is sleeping on. The following image doesn’t easily show it, but I have been subtly adjusting the whole sheet. You can however, see that I have added a shadow beside the duvet as well as darkened the bottom right area of the painting. I think I am over half way through the painting now.
6. The next image shows a close up of the duvet fabric and sheet.
7. The next image shows work done on James’ pyjama top. It’s a similar colour to the duvet, which is good as it provides a link between James and the bedding.
8. Arrrrgh…! The pillow, the pillow, the pillow!!! This has caused me no end of frustration to get to this… a point where I am reasonably happy with it (see next image). I will probably tinker with it again. I suspect that when I move onto the next area, I will know if the pillow is finished or not.
9. The following image shows the new area being worked on… the windows behind James. The white frames are done; all I need to add is the glass. I have also added the slatted headboard behind James’ head.
10. The next image shows my initial work on the glass. I still need to adjust it slightly. I do however, like the dark tones around the perimeter of the glass. It adds definition to this area. Then it’s onto the most challenging area… James’ arms, hands and head. That will really add impact to the work!
11. Crazy weekend… Seemed to do everything except make progress on the painting. Tonight I will launch back into it. The last part is the scariest; the most exciting; the most rewarding. It’s because it is the most challenging! If I get it wrong… the whole painting will fail. If I get it right… The end result and feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment is fantastic! WATCH THIS SPACE !!!
12. I’m also reaching the point where as I head to the end of this work, I’m switching thoughts to my next painting. Infact, I’ve already started the next painting! It’s all prepped and ready to begin… Hmmm… to tell you the truth; I’m also thinking of the next half dozen paintings I have planned. As I’m working on my current painting, I’m 6 ahead in my head!
13. Frustrated!!! Last night I spent 4 hours working on James’ arm and hands. I scraped the paint off twice, starting over again. His skin colour lacked ‘life’. Looked like a corpse… not a sleeping boy! I ended up calling it a day at 1am. Lesson learned: If it isn’t going well… walk away and start fresh in another session; another day. It’s certainly not worth posting an image of progress made tonight!
14. Success!! James’ arm and hands are done. Finished them last night. I haven’t ventured into the studio yet to look. I always find that the painting ‘changes’ after a long painting session (and a good nights sleep!). What I mean by that, is that it always looks different when you come back to it with ‘fresh eyes’ the next morning. Now it’s usually the time to do some minor touch ups and adjustments. There was no time for a photo last night. I will post one later today… so keep an eye on this page!
15. The following image shows James’ arms and hands near completion. You can see that I have also started work on his face now. Full steam ahead !!!
16. The following image shows a close up of James’ hands. It went well overall and I’m pleased with them. Next step is his face… Exciting! This is the last and most important part of the painting.
17. The following image shows James’ head near completion. All that needs to be done after that is to add his hair and subtly ‘fine tune’ his face. Each painting I notice an improvement in my ability to render faces and skin tones. Makes me enthusiastic to tackle the next painting!
18. Hair is done! Now all I have to do is have a final look at his face (and the whole painting) and adjust as necessary.
19. I have done some fine tuning to James’ face and hair and am happy to say… it is COMPLETED! …although… I have been known to adjust a painting until the varnish is applied!… no… I am pretty sure I am done.
20. Here is the wee man himself in the studio with his painting… Doesn’t he look pleased!
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