Underpainting - Page 2

Karin Wells · 03-26-2002, 11:16 PM

Wow, Renee, it is tough to speak about something that is purely visual...and I fear that sometimes I may be doing more harm than good....

I seldom, if ever, try to match or directly paint the undertones in skin. Those tones are CREATED (automatically) by cooling a halftone by the use of a scumble. If the scumble containes yellows...you get "greenish" tones...and without yellows, they become "blueish".

A GLAZE is a single layer made up of transparent colors + medium...and is allowed to dry.

A SCUMBLE is a single layer made up of opaque colors + medium...and is allowed to dry.

Also, I am not sure what you mean by the term "dry brush"...

Don't be upset if what I say is confusing to you all, remember that there are soooo many ways to paint, that if the way you do it works for you...it is exactly right.

Renee Price · 03-27-2002, 09:52 AM

What I mean by "dry brush" is a noisy brush...a brush that's not loaded with a lot of paint. I know that technically it's a no-no, but in some areas it works. This is the fun of painting! We try new things, use techniques we like, and create artwork that is unique. I'm including a photo of a painting where I used a dry brush for the water. I did the tone ground, and when that was dry, I applied a muted lavendar using a noisy brush for the sea foam. (Sorry for making you turn your heads). And Karin, I still think you need to make a video

! Renee

Karin Wells · 03-27-2002, 11:38 AM

Quote:

...a noisy brush...a brush that's not loaded with a lot of paint. I know that technically it's a no-no, but in some areas it works.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with scrubbing paint onto your painting with a noisy brush...I do it a lot too.

Using gobs of thick paint in that very FIRST layer in order to completely cover your canvas is what the "quiet brush" suggestion is all about.

BTW, You did a wonderful job on the water in your painting....maybe Cynthia could turn it for us so that we can properly admire it right side up?

Cynthia Daniel · 03-27-2002, 03:42 PM

Painting rotated:

Marta Prime · 03-27-2002, 04:17 PM

Thanks Karin,

I think that will help a lot! It's exactly what I was looking for.

Renee,

Looks like you have a really good start on this painting! I can't wait to see it when it's complete! Thanks for sharing your paint "recipe".

Paint recipes and techniques are sort of like getting everyones favorite spaghetti recipe! Yum! I don't paint alla prima much anymore unless I'm doing a portrait "sketch". I really like the glaze method, the pictures come out looking so incredible, more so in person. Were you using Liquin as a medium when paint underneath the glaze disolved? What a nightmare!

Maybe Karin should start workshops! Then she could teach in person, and make some money from all of this great information she gives us.

Patt Legg · 03-27-2002, 10:00 PM

Renee,

I think the painting is great too and can't wait to see it again. I am really happy to hear all about the quiet brush and noisy brush. I did not know about them although I have heard of dry brushing.

Ditto !!! to Karin teaching workshops. How about it Karin? I have thought that since I joined this forum. Rather, wishful thinking that I could be part of the experience of some of you in depth teachings. I just looked at your Web Site again and wow------

. They are just lucious. The one titled Isis (gosh I forgot how spelled) but it was "Isis Draped" I think and the lady had a scarf on her head. May I ask if you sometimes "dress up" a model so to speak in order to take photos and then do your own figure paintings?

I see so many marvelous paintings with the model wearing attire not of today. I have an acquaintance in my area who owns and sews her own "Costumes" for Halloween, parties, galas,etc. I approached her about the possibility of taking photos of her sometime (and her sister) in different period clothing. She said fine but I haven't done that yet. Any suggestions other than use single lighting of which I do now.

Thanks and think about that workshop! Seriously!

Patt

Karin Wells · 03-27-2002, 10:56 PM

At some point in my career, "how to paint" got easy and my biggest problem became "what to paint."

Maybe I never really outgrew playing "dress ups" as a girl. I go out of my way to make my models fun, interesting and challenging to paint. If I weren't a painter, I'd probably be a costume designer in the theatre.

Because I paint in layers with annoyingly long drying times, I honestly don't know how I'd cram all I know into a decent length workshop that didn't eat up an entire month (or more). I'm currently experimenting with Genesis (heat set oils) and maybe that will speed up the process....

Renee Price · 03-27-2002, 11:22 PM

Patt, A week or so ago I did a photo session with a lady who wanted to "dress up" in period clothing for her portrait. We went to a costume rental shop and found the right gown for her. I cannot wait to start this painting! The lady is gorgeous, the gown looked better than almost anything seen at the Oscars, and the lighting was wonderful (I love back light). If you have someone who would be perfect for a "dressed up" portrait, suggest renting a costume. And Karin, let us know about the workshop plans-- I think you will have a full audience! Renee

Patt Legg · 03-27-2002, 11:23 PM

I can relate Karin about the "dress-ups" and I too paint in layers quite similar to you (only similar as for the techniques certainly not talent) therefore, I naturally have several going at once.

As for what to paint, I think that is part of my problem of focusing. I feel as though I get so many things in my head that I want to do---I get overwhelmed and do not focus.

Let us know about the Geneses. I would be most interested in faster drying. Do you feel that Liguin dries quicker than a pre-mixed medium. I mix my own 1/3 dammar 1/3 linseed oil and 1/3 turp. Paint with it very sparingly unless I am glazing.

Patt Legg · 03-27-2002, 11:35 PM

Thanks Renee for the info. I certainly will as the ladies I mentioned would be perfect and the good thing is one sister owns the shop. I thought of offering a print or something of a painting if I use the photos in a figure portrait on my own. What do you suggest as a "thank you". The actual painting? Usually the few I have taken photos of, do not want pay to model as I explain that it is for future paintings but I do tell them if I use it.

I never tried back lighting much. Single light? I will indeed.

Much Appreciated