Wednesday 4 April 2012

Preparing for a new painting

I don't know about you, but I tend to do a few sketches and notes for some of my paintings, particularly when it comes to a Canvas, be it oil or acrylic.  Sometimes it is just a case of being able to follow a photograph I've taken and not have to jot anything down on paper, but on other occasions it does take several attempts to throw the ideas around.

This is especially the case today as I am going to be doing an acrylic that only measures 12" x 12" (approx 35cm x 35cm) - being that it is small plus Square makes it all the more restrictive.

I have a photograph as it happens.....



as you see, this would naturally go on a Landscape shaped canvas, so this is where my notes and sketches will help a lot.

Firstly I did a coloured sketch using my Inktense pencils



1.   I want to make the most of a dramatic sky  - You will see that the photograph has a lovely clear blue sky, but that would be rather ordinary in this piece.

2.   Making the drama in the sky, means I need to move the horizon line down to below half way.

I have also done a pencil and some ink sketches - mainly to get the angle for the river (it needs to take the viewer into the painting).











I may even end up making the horizon even lower, but I'll almost have to judge that as I do the painting....which I will be starting very soon....and yes, there will be a blog post about it, regardless of how it turns out.




12 comments:

Unknown said...

I also like to sketch out a general feel of a painting before I start. I saves a lot of paint and canvas! I don't always stick to the original idea; but do find it is a way of getting my mind in gear.

Judy said...

Interesting to see your creative process, Ann! Looking forward to the next stage!

Lynn Cohen said...

fun to see how you sketch this out and plan so diligently.
look forward to seeing the end result too.

I posted your Henry on my blog today! Come see!!!

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

I think some of the masters used to do studies of their works. I do sometimes too. Then sometimes I just go for it. Looks like this will be a fun piece to do.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Lynn and thanks for posting and mentioning my blog - your photos of Henry are so good, you must have a great camera for these close-ups.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Hi Bella, Judy, and Cris - thank you so much for your comments - I quite enjoy scribbling out these ideas prior to doing a painting, glad to see I'm not alone on that.

Jane said...

I admire your thorough preparation Ann, I am sure something very good will come out of it!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thank you Jane, I do hope so.

robin cox walsh said...

I admire your preparation too! You are so disciplined!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Robin.

Balaji Venugopal said...

A very interesting and useful post. It is also very nice of you to share your process in such detail.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Balaji, I will be doing a blog post about the actual painting very soon.