Monday, March 26, 2012

Underpainting: Get Your Glow On

I love using an underpainting. Sometimes I use a yellow wash of colored pencil before layering other colors.  Here's an example of a recent painting of green apples which I began with yellow:



Apple Juice, 11 x 12 

See how the yellow shines through the layers of color to create a glow?  I've used this method with other colors as well.  If I'm not sure whether or not it will work (or look good after a lot of layers) I use a scrap piece of paper to work out the order of the colors.  I write down the names of each color so I'll remember what I did in case I stop and come back to it the next day.  Give it a try, I think you'll like this technique.

I want to thank the folks at the Greater St. Louis Art Association for having me present a workshop this past week.  It was a pleasure to speak to his talented group of artists.  I gave them my top tips for selling online as well as some of my favorite colored pencil techniques.  If you're in the St. Louis area check out their juried Art Fair at Queeny Park, March 30 - April 1


9 comments:

  1. This is fascinating to me as a complete non-artist. It's a wonderful image!

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  2. Great tips - you are right, that really does give you work a "glow"! Totally going to try this out - thank you!! :)

    Sara
    nashpop.blogspot.com

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  3. Thanks, Sweet Posy Dreams!
    Let me know if you try this technique, Sara.

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  4. Every time I visit your blog, you always amaze me with your art. That Apple Juice looks GREAT!!!
    ~Kim
    http://2justByou.blogspot.com

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  5. Hi Kim, you're so nice to stop by & comment - thanks so much!

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  6. Underpaintings fascinate me - the way certain colors next to/or on top of other colors pop and glow, and this is such a great example of that!

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  7. Hey, Jessica, thanks for stopping by! I've seen some folks who use complimentary underpainting colors - it doesn't always work well for me. Anyway, love your new work.

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  8. Love those green apples! Very interesting technique, thanks for the explanation.

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