The Two Artists Inside My Brain
Forgetnotherteacup-Tonalsketch
"Forget Not Her Teacup#2" Tonal sketch
Forget Not Her Teacup #2 6x6in
Forget Not Her Teacup #2 6x6in
Hi Subscriber,
Time to talk teacups!
Back in December I said I was going to do half of the Strada Easel
challenge in teacups. That was a bit ambitious...and yet....
Let's back up a bit. Teacups are complex even to the naked eye. But
when one is trying to capture all the nuances of light and shadow,
color and shape with a paintbrush alone...well it can be very
frustrating.
You can't hurry it. It's like trying to herd cats.
Thankfully, I've found a rhythm that seems to be working.
I use one day to do a tonal sketch, which is a somewhat detailed
drawing that captures the main shapes and establishes the lights and
darks.
Then I use the next day to lay in color, painting directly over the
tonal sketch. This allows me to take my time. I am concentrating on one
concept at a time instead of the whole.
The first day is all about accuracy. I see those captivating glints of
light and the translucence of the bone china better the second day.
Grandmas Teacup (underdrawing)
"Grandmas Teacup" Tonal sketch
Grandmas Teacup 6x6in
"Grandmas Teacup" 6x6in
Concentrating on the tonal sketch the first day allows me to lay down
paint exactly where it needs to go on day two. Nothing bugs me more
than having to rework a wonky ellipse or a misshapen handle when I am
busy delighting in the subtle color shift in, say,.. a band of silver.
It's as though there are two artists inside me. The one is all about
accuracy of line, shape, and form, like an architect drafting a concept
drawing. The other is the starry-eyed visionary who sees the wonder and
beauty.
Each one needs the other but cannot work on it at the same time. It's
the whole 'too many cooks..' thing. Those two artists inside my head
need their own space to work effectively. I've got a pile of failed
paintings lying in my studio closet to prove it.
But I was very happy with these two and I've got several more lined up
for the final week of the challenge. They'll be dry in a few weeks and
ready for new homes.
When the Strada Challenge is over I will be taking on some teacup
portrait commissions. I'll explain that next time.
Do remember our feathered friends this frigid week. The high fat in
suet and black oil sunflower seeds will help them stay warm.
Take time to reward them for their song!
Jan
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