Starting A New Painting

[liz]

  Before I start a painting I think about it for a long time.  I hope to write about my challenges in my blog http://artwithaloha.wordpress.com


One could say that too many activities in my life push out time at the easel, like bringing out my guitar for the next few weeks to play Christmas music for church, a nursing home, and Christmas party this month. Like enjoying playing a new tambourine of my own I bought in Spokane at a music store Black Friday Sale.


But that's not it, there are valid reasons why I have a hard time getting started that deal with techniques which I hope some of you will share on this thread. -Liz

[liz]

[MaryAnne Long]

Sounds like you had a nice day, Liz, even though the covered bridge did not get started.

aloha

mea

[liz]

http://artwithaloha.wordpress.com
  ~Liz

[Val]

Good read Liz. I find it interesting to hear how other artists go about beginning a new project.     

I don't think I'd write about my 'preparations'..... it would have to come in volumes! 

[liz]

[Val]

Liz, I don't think I could say that I start a painting in any particular way. Sometimes I make a tracing, sometimes a quick sketch or even just a few lines. Then, sometimes I just jump in and go for it as with my attempt at Van Gogh in pastels. The jump in worked well with that one since it is so free and loose.
A lot depends on how my eyes are treating me at the time. Depending on the light, some times are better than others for seeing values/shadings etc. The strong, vibrant colours of the pastels tend to be a strong point and are working well for me at the moment. So in general, I just run with what works at the time.

[liz]

[Val]

I have really grown to love plein air sketching and painting. As most here are aware I am not what one could refer to as being a fast or even remotely quick artist.  So I always have my camera at the ready to capture the moment as reference to finish up back aboard.

I don't think I can refer to anything I do as slavishly copying my photographs, they never turn out looking the same, and I always find minor things I like to alter a bit. I find I use the photos more as a guide for light, value, and colour.

What to paint  I'm really not sure what it is that suddenly lights the fire under my bum to paint, something just tickles my fancy and I have to sketch it or paint it. Hardly scientific I know, but other times I can sit and look through hundreds upon hundreds of photos and nothing seems to do it for me. Odd isn't it? Yes, that sums me up pretty well.... odd! 

[liz]

[Val]

                        

[liz]

Merry Christmas, Everyone!  And a Happy New Year of Artwork in 2018! 


Nearing the completion of my covered bridge painting!  http://artwithaloha.wordpress.com

[Cath]

Thank you Liz. Yes, a wonderful year of art work is really something to look forward to.