I'm Gonna Try Paint This In Oils (A Photo I Took Recently)

[Tony (ASM)]

We went for a visit to Chester Zoo recently and, as ever, I was on the look out for a great scene to photograph. I took many but, this one stood out among the others. It even looks like a painting already! Something about it reminded me of a painting I'd seen but couldn't remember which it was. I've since remembered. It's 'The Hay Wain' by John Constable *addition* I've just discovered that his birthday was the same as mine 11th June! Creepy   
My photo is a view of the Giraffe House over the water.
I'd like to add a subject in the water and extend the grass on the left to lead the eye into the scene.
If you have any suggestions for additions, dislikes, changes, the size I should paint it (I'd like to do a 24 x 18 min on canvass) I'd appreciate them.
I'm intending to create an outline sketch then an underpainting using 3 or 5 shades of earth colours like Umber, Sienna, etc.
Because it's my first proper attempt at a genuine traditional painting, I'm gonna be seeking help and advice! 
Thanks 
Here's my photo followed by 'The Hay Wain' (right click on the image to open in a new tab. That's a way of seeing 'em bigger if they don't load):

[patindaytona]

Excellant photo topdog. It does look like a painting already. Did you manipulate it with photoshop? If you possible can, I would move the entire building to the right a hair. But it still looks good if you cannot. Nice simplicity...even the water looks ready to paint.

[thegrindre]

Ya, gotta agree with Pat on that one, otherwise it's a beauty.

[smokie55]

That is a great photo to work with. I love the values represented. You should have fun with this. I love the little duck in the bottom right. maybe you could add a mate in the water to carry the eye back towards the building. Keep us posted on this one.

[Tony (ASM)]

Excellant photo topdog. It does look like a painting already. Did you manipulate it with photoshop? If you possible can, I would move the entire building to the right a hair. But it still looks good if you cannot. Nice simplicity...even the water looks ready to paint.

Thank you! No, I haven't done any changes to the picture. That's what surprises me, how it looks like a photo already! Your suggestion for moving the building is very welcome I may extend it a little to the left so that I have a landscape mode or a better rectangle ratio.
I'm going out tomorrow to get a canvass. I already have a 24 x 18 Windsor & newton but, I want a bigger one. What do you reckon to that idea? What picture frame do you think I should use, if any? Perhaps use one of those wide ones maybe?
Thanks again.
Tony 

[Tony (ASM)]

Ya, gotta agree with Pat on that one, otherwise it's a beauty.

Thank you! I'm pleased and lucky to have a good picture to start with.
Tony 

[Tony (ASM)]

That is a great photo to work with. I love the values represented. You should have fun with this. I love the little duck in the bottom right. maybe you could add a mate in the water to carry the eye back towards the building. Keep us posted on this one.

Thank you Smokie55.
That's an interesting idea to add an additional Duck friend! Thank you for that. Yeah, I agree it should be fun to paint this but, I'll no doubt mess up and get frustrated! Must keep reminding myself to chill! 
Cheers
Tony 

[Tony (ASM)]

If Nolan or Dennis get a chance to look in, I wonder if you could give me advice for the underpainting? Should I use earth colour water thinned Artisan oil paint or, acrylics? (it's just that I've heard that using acrylics may be prone to cracking in years to come. Many years of course!) I know using oils takes a little longer to dry but, I'm in no hurry.
I want to create a painting to be proud of but, I need your professional guidance

[dennis]

Use whatever medium you are happy with - it does not matter. A picture can be done  in any medium as still look good. I don' t know where you heard about acrylic paints cracking? Acrylics are very flexible - more so than oils.

Under painting is also a personal choice and there are various ways of doing it and colors to do it in. Many top artists are divided on this. Some do and some don't. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't - depends on the subject and how I feel about it that day LOL.  Not much constructive advice - I know

[Tony (ASM)]

Use whatever medium you are happy with - it does not matter. A picture can be done  in any medium as still look good. I don' t know where you heard about acrylic paints cracking? Acrylics are very flexible - more so than oils.

Under painting is also a personal choice and there are various ways of doing it and colors to do it in. Many top artists are divided on this. Some do and some don't. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't - depends on the subject and how I feel about it that day LOL.  Not much constructive advice - I know

Erm, not what I expected! But thanks anyway Dennis. 
I'm off out to get a canvass today. Still undecided on the size and whether to get the wide version that don't require framing.
What pencil would you use to draw in the outline?

[thegrindre]

He, he, Dennis and Nolan have done the same to me, too. We're looking for specifics and they throw generalities at us.
It all boils down to what makes you happy. There aren't any rules, per se. If it works for you then that is the best way to do it.
If acrylics make you nervous, don't use 'em.
We're artists, anything goes, now. 

[Tony (ASM)]

He, he, Dennis and Nolan have done the same to me, too. We're looking for specifics and they throw generalities at us.
It all boils down to what makes you happy. There aren't any rules, per se. If it works for you then that is the best way to do it.
If acrylics make you nervous, don't use 'em.
We're artists, anything goes, now. 

lol! Yeah, I suppose I was expecting specific advice but, the world of art is fluid and without rigid rules.
I'm gonna use/trial Artisan Water mixable oil paints thinned down in a range of values. I'm hoping this business of 'fat over lean' doesn't come into affect more with under painting if I've thinned with water.
I'm looking forward to getting goin. Just need to consider how to scale the pic up to the size of the canvass.
Thanks for comment.
Tony 

[thegrindre]

Hey, Tony. I've thought of trying those water mixable oils myself but they don't make any sense. Water and oil don't mix. It has me baffled.
Do you mind posting some progress about that paint? I'm confused... 

Be careful, the fat over lean rule applies to the drying times of layers and should hold true to all mediums, I'd think...

[Tony (ASM)]

Hey, Tony. I've thought of trying those water mixable oils myself but they don't make any sense. Water and oil don't mix. It has me baffled.
Do you mind posting some progress about that paint? I'm confused... 

Be careful, the fat over lean rule applies to the drying times of layers and should hold true to all mediums, I'd think...

As far as I know, these water mixable oil paints are created using a form of 'modified linseed & saffower oil'. Modified in some way that allows the mixing of water. A secret formula I think:
http://www.winsornewton.com/products/oil-colours/artisan-water-mixable-oil-colour/
Yeah, I will post step by step progress of the painting. I've decided to use a 36 x 24" canvas because I have already got an old style gold looking frame I can use. I'm not sure if it'll take the wider thicker canvas but, if it does, I have best of both worlds! framed or not framed. I'll post a pic when early on to get opnions.
I will post pictures and short Youtube videos of my progress.
Thanks
Tony 

[patindaytona]

Tony, I am not sure about underpainting either. I was in the middle of my current one and decided right then and there  that popping in a thousand dabs for leave was just taking too long, so I put in an underpainting of solid darker green. Underpaintings do work well and many many artist do use them (blocking in sold masses of color) Good luck on your painting. It's a big one!