Friday 27 January 2012

Clear Acetate

I don't know if anyone else does this, but some time ago I hit on the idea of clear acetate to help me with a painting.  At the time I had been considering whether or not to add something extra to a painting I had been working on....can't remember now what it was at the time, but it seemed very important back then.  I think it may have been something like:

1. do I add a thatched cottage or

2. do I add trees - anyway, it was something like that.  In the end I thought wouldn't it be great if I could do an overview - stand back and make a considered opinion.

Then I had a 'Eureka Moment' and thought how about drawing the subject on to clear acetate and putting that against the painting - that way I could step back and make a decision


I drew these with a Sharpie marker



This is what I am working on at the moment.  Obviously still some way to go, but have wondered if I should perhaps add some ponies or trees?

'Exmoor View'


I'm happy so far with the sky, but that does depend on the contrast with the land, so that
final decision has to wait



No, I won't be putting trees in mid-air!!  but do you see what I mean about moving the acetate pictures around the painting to get a good position






So, there it is, for now I will plug on with this painting. May even leave it alone for a while and come back to it again - there is no hurry - I may even end up deciding not to add any trees or horses at all and just let the landscape speak for itself!





 

28 comments:

Judy said...

Great idea, Ann! Where did you buy the acetate and is it easy to wipe clean?

Floriana Quaini said...

Ciao Ann, I think that every experiment give to us something more and so it is good, but your paints are beatiful and it is better paint without thinking (I think so).
I hope to write english enough understanding.
Thank you for the comments to my work.
Ciao, un abbraccio, Floriana

bohemiannie! art said...

I've used acetate several times to add a layer and LOVE the effect. Try it on and see what you like.

robin cox walsh said...

I've tried that technique too, but I usually smudge the acetate so it's not really a good solution for me. I work small enough that I can scan my 'stuff' into the computer and alter it there. Much easier!
I love the way your painting is evolving. The sky is wonderful!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Hi Judy - Any good art suppliers should sell acetate, but if not try a Stationers. As for does it wipe clean, only if you use watersoluable pen, but this Sharpie is permanent. I don't mind that though, as I'll keep the sheet (after I add to it some more).

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thank you Floriana - I know what you mean about being 'spontaneous' (let me try translate: 'spontaneo' ) - you manage very well with English, not an easy language (even I have trouble with it!! lol).

ann @ studiohyde said...

Hi Annie, it's good to know someone else has used acetate, sometimes it is really helpful.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Robin, hopefully this painting will end up okay, good to know you like it so far...I know what you mean about smudging, I'm really good at that.

John (JWJarts) said...

Hi Ann. I've never needed to do anything like this so far but it's a great tip that I shall bear in mind. I'm loving that sky.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Hi John, I hope this little tip comes in handy one day. Nice to know you like the sky!

Leovi said...

Love these overlays. I like. Greetings.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Leovi.

jsicignano2.blogspot.com said...

Hi Ann,

What a great tip. Love your work. Thank you for sharing.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Glad you liked it Joan:)

Jude said...

You are so clever! And I love how you leave a painting alone for a while and give your brain a chance to mull things over. It will be a treat to see the end result of this one.

Margaret said...

I love this idea! I can't wait to see how this turns out.

Lynn Cohen said...

What fun.The sky and land are terrific as is...Can't wait to see what if anything you decide to add. Is this oil? Looks like it's on canvas.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Jude...hopefully I will be getting some paint on this next week!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Margaret - neither can I !?!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Lynn, I'm still in the thinking stage at the moment. You are right this is a Canvas, but again I'm using Atelier Interactive Acrylics. In the early stages of the painting I could just spray it with water, which reactivates the paint, and I could go on mixing, but since I have left it for a few days now I will use the Atelier Interactive Unlocking Formula, which will again mean I can work the paints (they mix and blend then like oils). At least with these AI Acrylics you get a drying time when you can sit back and consider what to do next.

The Artful Diva said...

That is a brilliant idea, Anne!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Pat:)

Bronson Hill Arts said...

Wow, 2 terrific ideas in one post, Ann! Composition has always been an issue for me and the acetate might be just the trick for me.

I don't do a lot in acrylics, but I do use water soluble oils a fair amount. Not sure if the water trick would work, but it certainly is worth trying.

Thanks!

-Barb

Unknown said...

great idea!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Hi Barb, glad this post has given you some ideas and really hope it will help you.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Kyla:)

Threadspider said...

Genius idea Ann.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Judith.....I'm still working on this painting though:)