Right after I am relatively happy with my line drawing, that's when my "little ritual" begins and I set up my "digital surface" for painting.
I duplicate the drawing layer I made earlier( duplicate shortcut: ctrl+j). One drawing layer is set to "overlay" with a burnt sienna tint, I make sure this layer is at the top. The second drawing layer is set to normal but I lower the opacity to about 30% to 40%. I keep this layer underneath the overlay layer.
After this process I go back to the background layer and give it a basic tone , so as not to start from a white canvas.
I make another layer and begin to block in the local color of the piece. Once I'm happy with the overall relationship of colors, I then add my basic shadows.
(example of layer organization)I use this method because it's reminiscent of the initial steps I used to take when preparing a painting in oils. Working from a drawing, then transferring the drawing to the canvas and giving it a basic wash . :)
There are many challenges to this painting right now, I'm indifferent to the composition, and perhaps the answer lies in adding more contrast to emphasize lighting, or establishing a stronger perspective. I'll have to figure it out this out before I go any further.
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On Demand!
I've begun to record my process whenever possible on livestream.com !
Now mind you some of the sessions are short ( about a minute or so) and others can be very long (3 hours!)! It's all unedited , so expect slow brushstrokes, moments of pause, and maybe the occasional bathroom break!
My painting times are a bit sporadic but I hope to be able to make it easier for people to know when I will be painting live through twitter, facebook and this blog. So drop by and say hello, or check it out at your convenience!
Link: http://www.livestream.com/iconart
Many thanks Daniel C. For pushing me to do these sessions!
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5 comments:
Very Cool and Happy Birthday!
Absolutely gorgeous work, I got really inspired while browsing your blog
Hey Karla, I like this piece. I wonder if you've thought of putting that retina reflection in the eyes of some of the animals and the girl? like when you shine a flashlight on a cat at night. I know it would simulate more photographic look, but I think it could be spooky and cool.
Very cool technique and style. Love it!
It's very interesting, thank you for sharing. The finished piece is astonishing.
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